The Prime Ministers of England and New Zealand hailed their cricket teams’ remarkable showing in the World Cup, which helped bring the sport into the limelight in countries obsessed with football and rugby.

Prime Minister Theresa May thanked the England team for winning the marquee tournament and ending a 44-year wait.

“You have helped the nation fall in love with cricket once again,” Ms. May told the England players at her official residence 10 Downing Street, according to British media reports.

“The final was not just cricket at its best but sport at its best - courage, character, sportsmanship, drama, incredible skill and even the odd slice of luck - all combining to create a real thriller, one of the great sporting spectacles of our time,” she added.

England and New Zealand played a heart-stopping final at Lord’s on July 14, with the hosts winning the contest in the Super Over on boundary count. The two teams posted 241 in their allotted 50 overs before the game went into the Super Over where once again they levelled tie.

Chasing 16 in the Super Over, New Zealand managed 15 but the hosts were declared winner as they hit more boundaries in the match. While the Black Caps scored 17 boundaries in total, England were far more superior in that department, having struck 26 fours and sixes.

Commenting on the final, England PM said: “It was a fitting end to what has been a great tournament - and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in once again making our country a sporting showcase for the world.”

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern lauded Kane Williamson and company for putting their all on the line and then accepting the heart-wrenching defeat with grace.

“That was undeniably an incredible game. I think as a nation we all aged a year in that super over. Congratulations to England. And to the Black Caps, I feel nothing but pride. What a team,” she wrote on Instagram.

(With PTI inputs)