India, March 3 -- They have been here, but not done that. Two sides long defined by composure, adaptability and, at times, heartbreak, now stand one game away from another shot at the ultimate prize. Look up South Africa and New Zealand's history to understand the fickleness and cruelty of sport. They don't complain though. They keep trying.

This semi-final is about learning from the past and exorcising the ghosts and pains of not being able to go all the way. Expect athleticism, sublime catching and smart cricket.

If tournaments are about peaking at the right time, both teams have arrived here by different but equally compelling routes. Unbeaten, tactically supreme, South Africa have impressed by resisting the urge to play one-dimensio...