The 2019 Cricket World Cup final was a nail-biting match until the very end and though New Zealand lost on a technicality, the Black Caps have won the hearts of many.
The Black Caps are being praised on social media by everyone from the Queen to cricket fans in front of TVs all over the world. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag admired the Kiwis' sportsmanship: "New Zealand had many fans in India and today they have won many more, by their calmness and spirit.
Kane Williamson, smiling after the tie. Beautiful to see."
Other fans around the world acknowledged that New Zealand had emerged as champions.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said: "I feel nothing but pride in Kane [Williamson] and the team.
"It was an outstanding tournament but that final match will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most memorable games. And it was played by Black Caps who are just outstanding sportsmen, plain and simple. They absolutely deserve our admiration. They certainly have mine."
The Queen congratulated the hosts on their victory, saying it was a thrilling victory.
However, she also tweeted a message to the Black Caps, praising them for competing so admirably in the final and throughout the tournament.
The TV cameras caught the moment Kane Williamson was told he was the Player of the Tournament, and his reaction furthered endeared him to fans.
Many more spoke of the qualities they admired in Williamson.
Others drew comparisons between Williamson and tennis great Roger Federer, who also lost in heartbreaking fashion at the Wimbledon Championship this morning.
It was not lost on Kiwi fans that English batsman, Ben Stokes, who crucially deflected a ball to the boundary, was born in New Zealand.
Others lamented and questioned the rules that awarded England with the victory.
Still, England's win did produce these great reactions: