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'Sheer class': The New Zealanders who won the Cricket World Cup

"Guptill's gonna push for two, they've got to go. Throw's gotta go to the keeper's end. He's got it! England have won the World Cup by the barest of margins! By the barest of all margins, absolute ecstasy for England! Agony, agony for New Zealand!"

The words of Ian Smith were beamed around the world through the broadcast of the Cricket World Cup final.

And despite being a Kiwi himself, a player whose own ODI career ended when New Zealand lost the 1992 semi-final in Auckland, the long-time commentator delivered.

Three years ago it was former West Indian cricketer Ian Bishop who was lucky enough to bellow an iconic line when his old team won the World Twenty20 final.

"Carlos Brathwaite! Carlos Brathwaite, remember the name! History for the West Indies," he screamed after the 27-year-old allrounder hit four consecutive sixes to win the title.

Bishop sat alongside Smith and retired England captain Nasser Hussain for the last portion of the World Cup final at Lord's on Sunday.

With the result up in the air until the very end, there were no guarantees for Hussain or Smith either way.

Smith got the call and his efforts drew plaudits from many but he wasn't the only New Zealander plonked into an awkward situation.

Simon Doull never had much luck during his international career but as a commentator he's made his way into prime positions.

Ian Smith and Simon Doull called the World Cup final with class and professionalism. Pic: Getty
Ian Smith and Simon Doull called the World Cup final with class and professionalism. Pic: Getty

Hussain would take the microphone for the official speeches during the medal and trophy presentation.

But in spite of England's victory, it was Doull who was asked to conduct the emotional first interviews with England's champions on the television broadcast.

If not for the accents nobody would have known they were Kiwis because it was impossible to detect any hint of real disappointment in their voices.

Smith's work in particular was put in the spotlight by a video released by the ICC on Tuesday.

The highlights package displayed all the key moments from late in the match.

But for all the amazing shots and deliveries by the players, the commentator starred.