Tense times for NZ fans
A tense atmosphere has settled over the fanzone in central Auckland as early wickets fell for the Black Caps in the Cricket World Cup final today.
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Last World Cup ODI won't be emotional
Having confirmed his retirement from one-day cricket, Australian skipper Michael Clarke then poo-poohed any notion that it would add extra resonance to today's occasion for his team.
Brendon McCullum: 'Make no mistake, we're playing for you'
Brendon McCullum writes: Our team has received incredible support and it’s this sense of belonging that we take into the final today. Our motivation is to play for you.
Dylan Cleaver: G mate, our cups are over-flowing
Kia Ora - just to avoid confusion, that's a common greeting on this side of the Tasman.
Wish granted for lucky couple
Aucklander Paddy Singe and his wife, Anne, will be among the 100,000-strong crowd at the MCG for today's Cup final - a last-minute present for the couple's 34th wedding anniversary.
Andrew Alderson: Excited Black Caps fans surge back
This New Zealand cricket team is our GOAT, the Greatest Of All Time.
Jeremy Wells: It's only the thrill of bat meeting ball - opposites attract
I fell in love with cricket when I was 6. Weirdly, I remember the exact place it happened - Melbourne, February 13, 1983.
Jack Tame: I'll still be a super proud Kiwi whether the Black Caps win or lose
Grandma was on the floor with that smiling-but-slightly-bewildered expression. And still wearing the Santa hat.
Richard Hinds: Welcome to our friendly ground for the Big Boys
Dearest Kiwi neighbours - sincere congratulations on the wonderful success of your all-conquering cricket team.
Heather du Plessis-Allan: When will I be a Kiwi?
Heather du Plessis-Allan wonders: At what abstract point do we decide an immigrant has earned the right to call him or herself a New Zealander?
A brilliant leader in his field
A quick google of the words 'Brendon McCullum' yesterday unveiled a gem.
Black Caps to win more trophy matches
More regular Chappel-Hadlee Trophy cricket against Australia is in the pipeline.
Black Caps: 'We're not afraid to lose'
Among the pile of questions thrown at Brendon McCullum yesterday, was whether he'd rein his style in given the size of the occasion at the Melbourne Cricket Ground today.
Just don't call it a victory parade ...
The Auckland Council is planning a World Cup homecoming for the Black Caps - just don't call it a victory parade.
More public transport services for cricket fans
Increased public transport services are planned to cater for cricket fans heading to the Takutai Square fanzone in downtown Auckland tomorrow.
McCullum: Australia the perfect opponent
New Zealand have the World Cup final opponent they wanted in co-hosts Australia, according to skipper Brendon McCullum.
'The two sons I never had'
Ailing cricket legend Martin Crowe has set a heart-wrenching scene for the Cricket World Cup final, revealing it may be the “last” match he watches.
Cricket 'Super Fans' armor up
The Beige Brigade are today making emergency deliveries of Black Cap gear to under-dressed Kiwi supporters in Melbourne ahead of the World Cup final.
Seven keys to the World Cup final
Here are seven key issues that are likely to play a role in the outcome of the Cricket World Cup final.
Toby Manhire: Let's stay with the magic - whatever happens
They may question the size of our ground-hood. They may call us bludgers. But we will not let it get under our skin. Because that's what they want.
Andrew Alderson: Fitting farewell for Vettori
A cricket career which has inspired millions is set to culminate in one of sport's grandest cathedrals tomorrow.
Black Caps need Taylor despite poor form
For all the high achievements of individual New Zealand players in the World Cup, there's one senior who will be hoping he's saving his best until tomorrow.
No tin too big: MCG nerves set in
Brendon McCullum’s unbeaten team have started a new history chapter for New Zealand cricket.
Rekindled paceman would fire NZ attack
Bacon and eggs, gin and tonic, Southee and Boult: it's not quite right having one without the other.
Black Caps' WAGS ready to roll
For a certain tight-knit club of fans, the call to back the Black Caps won't be just a patriotic duty - it will be a domestic one too.
CWC: It's the Final Countdown
David Leggat rates each of the Black Caps' performances in the tournament so far as they head into the World Cup final.
Coping with MCG's vastness key
The Melbourne Cricket Ground, with its large empty green acres, can be an intimidating place to play cricket.
Origins of Black Caps' nicknames
Hairy Javelin, Wonky Donkey and Skinger. Or, as they are sometimes known, Grant Elliott, Luke Ronchi and Martin Guptill.