Vettori in pain but will be fit for final

There is no more appropriate way for Daniel Vettori to end his New Zealand career than with a hobble.

In a World Cup final no less.

Spinner Vettori developed back stiffness at the bowling crease during the Black Caps' momentous semi-final win over South Africa in Auckland, but it isn't expected to threaten his availability for Sunday's final in Melbourne.

Highlights of NZ's win over South Africa

The 36-year-old was able to bat - he was at the other end when Grant Elliott struck his winning six on Tuesday - but is likely to experience some pain while bowling to Australia or India in the decider.

The left-armer is yet to make any official announcement about his playing future, but said it was "pretty obvious" Sunday's match would be his final ODI.

"It's not what I'm thinking about. It's about enjoying the game, enjoying the build-up to a World Cup final," Vettori said.

Captain Brendon McCullum says Vettori is clearly determined to go out on a high, having battled tirelessly against knee and back complaints over the past two years.

"Dan grimaced a fair bit but he was able to get through nine overs and he's playing like every game's his last," McCullum said.

"He's played a lot of his career with bumps and bruises and niggles and strains.

"People probably don't realise, he's had to overcome quite a bit to continue to back up and get out there and represent New Zealand."

McCullum says the left-arm tweaker, who made his debut as an 18-year-old, has been inspirational at the tournament through his miserly bowling, particularly in the pool phase, and his off-field presence.

He will now provide motivation for his teammates in an international swansong.

"Hopefully we've got one more big fairytale finish for him ... and then we'll have a few beers," McCullum said.

Before the team flew to Melbourne on Wednesday, Vettori said his back pain hadn't dissipated but it wasn't dulling the joy he got from the Eden Park cliffhanger.

He described the game as "almost one of the perfect moments in my career".

He isn't thinking about the final being his last international game, instead focusing on it as a novel and enjoyable experience.

One wicket on Sunday will push Vettori pass Jacob Oram's 36 scalps to be the most prolific Kiwi bowler at World Cups.

He will become the 12th player to bag 300 ODI wickets for his country, and the first for New Zealand, if he snares three victims with his variation and control.

Vettori's sights next week will switch to his Indian Premier League coaching duties with Royal Challengers Bangalore.

He has also been linked with coaching Brisbane Heat in the KFC T20 Big Bash League.