"It was an outstanding tournament but that final match will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most memorable games.
"And it was played by Black Caps who are just outstanding sportsman, plain and simple. They absolutely deserve our admiration. They certainly have mine."
Sports Minister Grant Robertson described the final match as the "greatest game of one day cricket ever played".
"They went as close as you could go to winning this tournament - they are good men, good people and we should be incredibly proud as New Zealanders," Robertson told Newstalk ZB host Mike Hosking.
As New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill was run out after scoring one of two runs needed from their final ball to win, Robertson stood in a crowd next to British Prime Minister Theresa May.
"Cricket is a game of centimetres, but it's why we love it because it's got so much drama and so much emotion," Robertson said.
"I'm so proud of them, I'm obviously gutted for them not getting the result but we tied twice and they played incredibly.
"You can probably understand it has been a hugely emotional day and I hope to catch up with them later on."
The Alternative Commentary Collective are podcasting their way through the World Cup. Known for their unconventional sports analysis and off-kilter banter, the ACC have come to ask the tough questions. Here's the latest episode of 'The Agenda':
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
