On a day when the actual cricket might take a backseat, both finalists have shown themselves to be hugely fallible, which could make for a fascinating contest
The saying usually goes that the journey is more important than the destination. But after two contrasting and curious campaigns, try telling India and Australia that a place in this year's Women's T20 World Cup final does not overshadow the manner in which they have made it this far.
Though it required a sluggish England, a West Indies meltdown and a lack of fortune for South Africa, we should have known when these two international behemoths played out a thrilling opening game that we would be back in Melbourne a few weeks later for a rerun.
It was the perfect way to kick-off the tournament and organisers are hopeful they will be the ideal duo to end it. A world record crowd in excess of the 90,185 who watched the Women's football World Cup final is anticipated at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and a contest to match such interest could represent another major breakthrough for the sport.
Perhaps the most attractive characteristic of this final is how neither side can be considered outstanding favourites. Both have their flaws and neither will be fully delighted by the state they arrive at this final in.
It is not an exaggeration to suggest that Australia were expected to waltz to a fifth title. They had the best player in the world, perhaps ever. An all-star experienced batting line-up and a flexible and skilful bowling attack. They only had to guard against complacency and overconfidence.
And yet, their performances started to evade them. India exposed them badly in the chase during the opening game, as the middle-order failed to pick Poonam Yadav. The way the likes of Rachael Haynes, Ellyse Perry and Jess Jonassen approached the crease almost expecting their reputation to see them through was a tad arrogant. They simply forget their principals.
Defeat to India was a surprise but no disgrace (they had been beaten by them in the pre-tournament tri-series a fortnight before) but they were almost embarrassed by Sri Lanka in their second game. From 10-3 they recovered desperately, eventually chasing down 123 with five wickets in hand and three balls remaining. Granted, they have come through a close contest but their best cricket was a distant a memory.
Though they got better of Bangladesh, the reigning champions flirted with an early exit from their home tournament against New Zealand. With 20 needed by the Kiwis from the final over, an unlikely hero in the form of Ashley Gardner came to the fore with the ball.
Shafali Verma is among India's key batters
Danger has been Australia's best friend throughout their entire run, and that relationship continued in the semi-final when without Perry, whose involvement in the competition has been ended by a hamstring injury, rain and a valiant South Africa almost caught them cold.
Having made 134 for 5 from their 20 overs the heavens opened and threaten to send The Proteas through having originally progressed as group winners. The weather relented and typically for a run which has been dominated by close shaves, it would come down to the final over again. Jonassen was the women for the big occasion this time.
Suddenly, a rosey build-up has been replaced by the loss of their top player, a series of uncertain performances and a rematch with a side who knows how to beat them. A first ICC title on home soil since 1988 almost feels a tad optimistic.
"These are the rules, we can't help it," says Harmanpreet Kaur after rain sends India to final
Yet, having sailed so close to the wind this is an Australia side who are firmly on their toes. They have prevailed in two virtual knock-out matches that were delicately balanced. And though some individuals have performed well, they are yet to put together a polished display against a top tier opponent. They still have that in their locker.
Unsurprisingly, India's World Cup campaign has lacked the same kind of drama. However, it has not been without its undulations. Granted, they were brilliant in defeating Australia in the opener, but it hasn't always been easy for the debut finalists.
They did swat aside Bangladesh and Sri Lanka fairly dismissively, but they were pushed all the way by a lucky New Zealand outfit. Amelia Kerr was the key with ball and then bat, but she couldn't drag the Kiwis over the line.
Jess Jonassen will be vital in keeping India at bay
The seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka on February 29 was the last time India raised a finger in the tournament. Most importantly, by the time both teams step out in Melbourne seven full days will have passed since their last competitive outing.
Though India will have no qualms over reaching their first T20 World Cup final, the manner of the passage is certainly unsatisfactory. They are now severely undercooked in a competition which is all about momentum and flow. Both winning and losing has been a habit over the last two weeks.
There is a fine line between being fresh and unprepared, and it remains to be seen how quickly India can click back into gear after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. In the same period that they have been watching from afar, Australia have prevailed in two clutch matches, proving their fortitude on both occasions.
On International Women's Day, with a spellbinding crowd expected for another global final, it might be that the cricket takes a back seat. The match might pit reputations against potential, but it is a contest which promises so much more.