So we sit here this morning reminded that sport is but one of three things that can truly unite us as a country.

The others are war and tragedy. Often they're intertwined, but they are most certainly negative.

So sport sits alone in its singular ability to bring us together, to create those memorable and special moments we can all share and feel we have a part in.

Are there any questions left for the Black Caps?

Every game has thrown up a hero. McCullum spanking the English around the Cake Tin after Southee destroyed them with swing. Williamson winning it for us at Eden Park against Australia. Vettori turning entire games at inspired times, or defying gravity on the boundary. Guptill breaking records while at the same time shutting the critics up.

When Southee didn't fire Boult did. Each and every game when something specific needed delivering it got done. With the possible exception of a mature, steady, well disciplined run chase of decent proportion...well we can tick that box too after last night.

We are left with a smorgasbord of memories, and an impossible choice as to how to rank them. The mental strength of the side is a star in its own right. Where once capitulation was expected and sadly the norm, this team has faced the full array of challenges.

Hesson is a hero as well. What an inspired choice he was, at a time when inspired choices seemed rare and this was a controversial one.

McCullum is a hero for his captaincy. What an inspired choice he was, and there was no shortage of controversy there either. Really, the only question left unanswered is not whether we can face the last challenge of playing our only game away from home and beat them. If we do that, where does that sit when it comes to the greatest moments.

Does it beat a gold medal? A world record? Does it beat the America's Cup? Does it beat a Rugby World Cup?

And in that is the beauty of sport, what joy to work all that out.

In sport we see all that is possible, that dreams do come true. Hope is eternal. Desire is a laudable quality to aspire to. We all share in the magic, because we all feel we have a slice of it. It is the best of us on display for the rest of us to share.

This has been a dream, so roll on Sunday.