Grant Elliott believes New Zealand were destined to reach the ICC Cricket World Cup Final after playing the decisive innings in the four wicket Semi-Final victory over South Africa.
The 36-year-old struck the winning six, off the penultimate ball of the match, to finish 84 not out in a successful chase of 298 to win from a rain reduced 43 overs.
Brendon McCullum had earlier blazed the victory trail with with an explosive 59 off 23 deliveries in-front of a frenzied Auckland crowd.
"I don't think this win is for myself, it's not for the team, it's for everyone here because the support has been amazing," Elliott said.
"We wanted to take it as deep as we could. I think we timed the pace of the innings to perfection.
"When you've got 40,000 fans screaming at you every ball, it's been an absolute pleasure playing at Eden Park and playing in-front of the home crowd.
"Hopefully, all our supporters got what they wanted. We've had two close, amazing games here now.
"We've had a good run and it's the first final we've been in as a New Zealand team," Elliott continued and he insisted that the Black Caps preparations won't change ahead of the final.
"We will probably have a few drinks in the changing rooms. I don't like to get too high or low - I prefer to reflect later - but it is a great moment to share with family and the team.
"South Africa have a world-class unit and they bowled well. We got a bit of luck but it was our day.
"The feeling in the team is that it is destined. That is how I felt. It feels like it was meant to be.
"The best team on the day will win the final. We have nothing to lose. Someone has to step up.
"We'll just approach it like any other game and hopefully it falls in our place."
Losing Captain AB de Villiers, who earlier scored 65 not out off 45 balls and finished he tournament with 482 runs at an average of 96.4, admitted he hasn't yet come to terms with the defeat.
"It was an amazing game of cricket," he said. "It was the most electric crowd I've ever heard in my life.
"I guess the better team came out on top. We gave it our best. We left everything out on the field. I couldn't ask anything more from my boys.
"We don't go back with any regrets. I guess we had our chances. It's hurting quite a bit, so it will take us quite a while to get over this."
Trent Bridge hosts the fourth Royal London One-Day International between England and New Zealand on Wednesday 17 June. Don't miss the chance to watch England seek redemption against the Kiwis and secure your seat now.