Few will doubt that the two best teams are into the final of this year's World Cup.
Solid, balanced batting, aggressive bowling and electrifying fielding – guided by two imaginative captains have pitted Australia against New Zealand for cricket's ultimate prize on Sunday.
I was disappointed at South Africa's lack of composure when it mattered most against the Kiwis. Sure, they were undone by the weather. I believe that had the rain not interrupted, they would have gone on to get close to 350 and put New Zealand under tremendous pressure. Even so, the Kiwis target of 299 in 43 overs ought to have been defended. But the usually composed South Africans missed too many simple opportunities and paid the price. I will not say that they choked but the game was in the balance up to the penultimate ball and a more assured South Africa would never have allowed it to get that far.
To New Zealand's credit, they never panicked. Grant Elliot showed how important a steady head is, even when a big chase is on. They will need lots of steady heads and hands on Sunday. I am seeing the Kiwis strolling around Melbourne, looking very relaxed and upbeat. Never before have they advanced so far in this tournament, and they will be keen to retain their unbeaten status.
They enjoy a psychological advantage of sorts, having beaten Australia in the prelims and remain the only unbeaten team over the past six weeks.
Even they must know that climbing out of the comfort zone in their backyard, and meeting Australia at Melbourne is not going to be anywhere near to their experience in Auckland where Australia was beaten by one wicket after making just 151.
And then there is the Australian hunger which I feel will have a direct impact on the outcome. The emotional outpouring I witnessed at the funeral of Phil Hughes in Macksville in November last year, showed the softer side of some of the toughest men on the cricket field. Even then, I could sense a bonding among the Australians – a bonding that made them so much tougher and stronger and said: 'We will do something special for you, Phil'. Winning this World Cup in memory of Phil Hughes is that special something.
The Australian batting balance reminds me of the dominant West Indies of the 80s..the Greendige, Haynes, followed by Sir Viv, and the assurance of Lloyd with Larry Gomes to consolidate. You look at their batting lineup, which ironically is mirrowed in a similar design by New Zealand and you understand why these two teams are where they are.
If there is one area of cloud, it may be in their absence of that fifth bowler. Both teams have bowling attacks that are formidable. Boult is a genuine wicket taker but so is Starc. In Southee, the Kiwis have firepower. Australia has Mitchell Johnson. Add Matt Henry who could be anything, and he is matched by Hazelwood. In Vettori, the Kiwis possess one of the steadiest finger spinners in the world, a crafty old fox, and this may be one area tin which Australia is behind.
Both captains have shown that they want to dismiss their opponents. At times, McCullum seems a bit over done in this area. Clarke, on the other hand, is more precise and flexible, and may have the tactical edge.
It's going to be close. But this one, I feel, is for Phil Hughes, and that could be decisive.