Andrew Alderson: Excited Black Caps fans surge back

The Cricket World Cup trophy. File photo / Richard Robinson

The masterclass of 2015 have won back fans and captured a new generation, and now the six times semifinalists look to fill a hole in New Zealand’s sporting trophy cabinet.

This New Zealand cricket team is our GOAT, the Greatest Of All Time.

Today will determine whether they can step beyond their previous void to win the World Cup.

The class of 2015 have taken themselves and public expectation to higher ground. Their brand of controlled aggression has reignited a dormant segment of what was considered a long, lost fan base.

Strong performances have been coupled with a culture of humility. Nothing appears taken for granted. There is no sense of the entitlement that can inadvertently seep in with success.

In 10 World Cups across 40 years, New Zealand had made the semifinals six times. Today is unprecedented territory; that floating giddiness at the top of what shapes as a rollercoaster against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from 4.30pm today.

In the three World Cups I have attended, the final has been won by a definitive batting performance: Ricky Ponting's 140 not out at Johannesburg's Wanderers; Adam Gilchrist's 149 at Bridgetown's Kensington Oval; Mahendra Singh Dhoni's unbeaten 91 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

Today I expect a definitive bowling performance to be the catalyst in determining victory.

Batting has become such a constant. Whopping willows, corseted grounds and punitive fielding restrictions mean bowling attacks become smorgasbords. That's why the swing of Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Mitchell Starc has been the perfect antidote this tournament, and a key reason these sides have reached the final.

Melbourne's "G" also makes a welcome difference with its equitable boundaries that limit the room for batsman error. Miscues are caught by players rather than orange-shirted fans.

Hitting along the cauldron's verdant carpet could be the preferred option, unless the New Zealanders can channel Lance Cairns in 1983 when he cannoned six into the stands with his Excalibur, including a one-hander off Dennis Lillee.

Today's final is also paramount for the sport's future. A member of The Big Three meets one of The Little Chaps. A New Zealand win might convince the game's arbiters that countries outside Australia, England and India can provide a bridge to a future with a guest spot for those who achieve beyond expectations.

Think the West Indies in the 1970s and 80s, Pakistan in the early 90s and Sri Lanka in the first decade of the new millennium.

Regardless, New Zealanders can be proud of a cricket team that is marketable to the world.

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