Stephen Fleming admitted his side has been ‘outclassed’ by Mahela Jayawardene-inspired Sri Lanka in Jamaica.
Fleming’s team fell to an 81-run defeat at Kingston’s Sabina Park after Jayawardene played the 1996 champions into the final with an unbeaten 115.
Muttiah Muralidaran then led the attack with four for 31 to dismiss the New Zealanders for 208 inside 42 overs, although a spirited last-wicket stand of 59 by James Franklin and Jeetan Patel delayed the inevitable.
The outgoing BLACKCAPS ODI skipper said: "It's a disappointing day, but I think we were outclassed. It was probably a true reflection of where the sides are at.
"They have got a lot of artillery in the bowling attack and if you do make mistakes they can hurt you.
"Sri Lanka thoroughly deserved it on the day and the margin of victory was probably about right as well.
"Losing the toss might have been a little bit important; we would have liked to go on and get a score but I still don't think it would have changed the outcome."
Man-of-the-match and captain Jayawardene was left looking forward to the final, and did not flinch at either opponent - holders Australia or South Africa.
He said: "If you're going to win the World Cup you might as well beat the best, so whoever comes along I'm sure our guys our guys are confident enough."
Reflecting on his side's victory, he added: "All the guys chipped in and everyone helped to get the job done.
"We've got a lot of belief in our batting partnerships, it's all about taking responsibility and getting the job done. We've been playing some really good cricket lately, we stuck to the basics regarding our bowling, batting and fielding.
"It was a big game but just another cricket match, all credit to the guys they played some really good cricket. I'm happy with my effort and I knew I had to stay in for long but the hundred wasn't in my mind."
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