For much of their cricket history they have been over-shadowed by their trans-Tasman rivals, and for most of that time, they have not enjoyed it. This is a golden opportunity given to New Zealand to break out of their habitual capitulation in front of Australia and pip them to a major World Title. For most of the tournament, they have gone about their jobs in a quietly efficient way, not attracting too much hype, but getting the job done – again emblematic of much of their history. Any other side hit by injuries the way they have been would have been badly affected, and certainly if the side had been lacking major stars the way the Black Caps have, no one would have given them a hope of making the next round, let alone the finals. They will derive enormous satisfaction from proving people wrong, and the way to do that even more effectively is to win once again the only tournament they have won on the world stage. When they won the tournament in 2002, they beat a much more fancied India in the final, proving that stars and past form count for nothing and it’s the brilliance on the day that wins the day. Their bowling has looked sharper as the tournament has progressed, thanks in no small part to Shane Bond slowly returning to his fastest, meanest best. They have also found men for the occasion in every match – the hallmark of any team that has done well on a consistent basis anywhere. Now they just need to do it for one more match. There is a lot to play for, for New Zealand and they have the strongest motivation of all – proving history wrong.