The Black Caps, who have been underdogs in every match since the competition began almost two weeks ago, caused another major shock on Saturday night when they upset Pakistan with a five-wicket win to reach the deciding game.

It capped a remarkable turnaround for Vettori and his side, especially after they were beaten by hosts South Africa by the same margin in their opening game.

They have since beaten Sri Lanka, England and Pakistan, with the New Zealand captain now preparing for one final onslaught - this time against their trans-Tasman rivals - and he is hoping to start changing a record that reads played 117, won 32 and lost 80.

"We probably have a reputation of getting up against them, but the results haven't quite been there," Vettori said. "I think we've been poor against them as of late.

"They are a pretty impressive side and that's the reason why they've sort of hovered around that number one ranking for a long time."

The Kiwi skipper, named man of the match after his two wickets and 41 runs against Pakistan at the Wanderers, believes that breaking through Australia's top order early in the game will be key, while he also singled out opposite number Ricky Ponting as the danger man.

"(Their form has been) very impressive," Vettori said.

"I think I said last night that their top order's been outstanding and the way that we do have to succeed is by trying to dismiss that top order, which won't be easy because they've played so well.

"And you look at a guy like Ponting. He's played so well for a very long time, so if we can do that then it will enable us to have a chance."

New Zealand's only defeat in the competition has come at Centurion, a ground where Australia are yet to lose in three games.

Asked if this would hand an advantage to their opponents, Vettori said: "Possibly, but I think it seems like it's been some pretty good wickets that they've played on.

"So I think if it's a good wicket then we can adapt pretty quickly, but if it's maybe a little bit tricky then maybe Australia do have a slight advantage.

"But I assume that in a one-day final of this importance, it's going to be a good flat track."

The New Zealanders, who have had an injury curse throughout the tournament, have no fresh concerns ahead of the final, but the flat Centurion track means spinner Jeetan Patel could get a game.

Tomorrow's final also marks only the second time a New Zealand team have reached the final of a major competition - the last time they did so was at the Champions Trophy final of 2000, when they were crowned winners.

However, they have an admirable semi-final record reaching the last four in eight out of 15 International Cricket Council events, and the skipper is determined to now kick on even though their target has been achieved.

He added: "I think you probably have achieved what you set out to achieve. But once you reach that level, you realise there is an immense desire to go all the way and I think there's no relief in the camp.

"It was all about how we're going to win tomorrow as opposed to 'it's great that we've made it'. It's pleasing to me as captain to hear those sorts of sentiments and we've got to make sure we put it into practice tomorrow."