New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming looked forward to a showdown with England after his team were beaten by five wickets against Australia.Victory for the Kiwis would have left England needing to beat them with a bonus point on Tuesday, to see who meets Australia in the final.
"I hope the conditions in Brisbane are as good as they were here and we can have a good old heave-ho," he said.
"It's a semi-final scenario so good preparation for the World Cup."
Fleming was pleased with his side's performance against the mighty Australians, with Lou Vincent firing 90 to inspire a total of 290-7 that the home side passed in the penultimate over.
Someone's bad fortune is someone else's good fortune
Brad Hodge
"We are happy with the way things are coming together and it's a shame we couldn't put this one away. We are asking Australia to play good cricket and they are doing that.
"They had a slip against England and we wish it was against us but it was not to be."
Australia batsman Brad Hodge was relieved to end a run of one run from his last two matches with an unbeaten 99 at the MCG.
"It hasn't been much fun over the past week or so but this is what cricket is all about, you believe in what you can do and I have been given an opportunity by Roy's (Symonds') injury," he said.
"The past four times I have played for Australia I have been filling in for one game and it's hard to get any momentum.
"And someone's bad fortune is someone else's good fortune. This is the way it has turned out for me, it's an opportunity and I have enjoyed it."
Skipper Ricky Ponting was delighted that his team returned to winning ways after the surprise defeat by England on Friday in his absence.
"Any time when you are under pressure, chasing a big total, to come through like this is always satisfying," said the 32-year-old, who celebrated his return from injury with a century.
"Unfortunately I couldn't see the innings through but Hodgie played a knock he will never forget. He struggled early on but his last 70-80 runs must have come off 50-60 balls.
"Most of our guys looked good with the bat but there is still a bit of work to do with the fielding and with the ball but overall we are in pretty good shape."
The Australia captain did not disclose who he thought would win the right to play his team in the best-of-three final.
"I think they are both very capable sides," he said diplomatically.
"England showed that the other night in Sydney, on their day they can be very good.
"New Zealand are probably a consistently better one-day side so I think it will be a good, tough game."
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