Fans watch the final at the Fanzone at Britomart in Auckland. Photo / Getty Images
Fans watch the final at the Fanzone at Britomart in Auckland. Photo / Getty Images
From the fan zones across the country to the buzzing MCG, few summed up our national pride and pathos, better than these fan reactions.
One loyal fan put it all down in a heartfelt letter...
Even though we lost the final, we had some amazing, memorable moments and this ishow I will always remember this World Cup and how it sums it all up for me.
So late in the evening of the semi-final, I was holding my 1-year-old son, trying to rock him to sleep while at the same time trying to follow the NZ vs. South Africa semi. There are 2 balls left in the game, 5 runs needed to win, and 1000 beats per minute clocked on the old heart rate. So. Much. Tension.
As Elliot stared down the barrel, ready to face Steyn's 155 kph bowling arm, I held my breath, clamped my eyes shut, and held my son tight. Everything slowed down. Flashbacks started replaying in my mind of when I was a kid watching the 1992 World Cup semi against Pakistan with my dad (one of the few things we actually did together). These memories were accompanied of course by the disappointment of losing that particular semi-final, and the usual hint of doubt and guarded excitement associated with the Blackcaps of old (and my dad of old).
Anyway, fast-forward back to the semi-final at hand. As I held my son tight for what seemed an eternity, the anxiety suddenly disappeared. Not because I insisted the old guards-up cliché, "Hey, It's just a game," because, obviously, this is more than just a game.
No, It was because I had a rare moment of clarity: I'm holding on to my son before this match ends-and at the end of this match I will still be holding on to my son. I am not the same guy my dad was and this is not the same team from the '92 World Cup. The cycle had been broken well before this match and I knew with absolute faith that this new positive Blackcaps outfit would bring this game home.
I open my eyes-Elliot hits a 6-Blackcaps win. I hold my son even tighter-we both win.
Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key look on during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images
Or to start thinking about others.
Some fans, namely the Aussies, had nothing to be sad about.
An Australian fan shows his colours during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and New Zealand at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Photo / Getty Images
Fans perform the mexican wave during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and New Zealand at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 29, 2015. Photo / Getty Images
Glenn Maxwell of Australia celebrates winning with fans during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and New Zealand at Melbourne. Photo / Getty Images
While others backing black, chose to keep it classy.
