Former captain Daniel Vettori said Sunday's World Cup final between New Zealand and England will be "extra special" considering there would be a first-time champion.

"Both teams will be very excited about reaching the World Cup final, and the crowning of a first-time winner makes it extra special," Vettori wrote in his column for the ICC.

The left-arm spinner felt the final would be a 50-50 game.

“It's a 50-50 game and that's how both teams will view it. Virat Kohli said earlier in the tournament that if a team plays well, they can beat anyone and if they don't, anyone can beat them.

“Both captains will view it that way, the two have immense respect for each other and there will be lots of camaraderie between the sides. They play in a similar spirit and, whatever the result, it will be a great showcase for the game of cricket,” said Vettori.

The 40-year-old said England's Eoin Morgan and Kane Williamson of New Zealand have probably been the best captains in this World Cup and it's fitting to see them face each other in the final.

“There's a real enjoyment about being in a final, just being there means you've had a really good competition and so you have a chance to celebrate that,” Vettori said.

“It's a nice way to go into the game, and the way Eoin Morgan and Kane Williamson are approaching it, you can tell they're confident while being respectful about their opposition and how well they can play. It's a chance to watch too really great leaders.

“Both teams will be confident and rightly so, they've both shown they can fight their way through difficulty so hopefully it's all set up for a really fantastic match at Lord's,” he added.