South Africa are vowing to throw everything they have at the Blackcaps when they clash in Birmingham on Wednesday night (NZT).
It's shaping as a must-win match for the Proteas and has prompted memories of their thrilling semi-final encounter in NZ four years ago.
The Blackcaps are well aware of the threat the Proteas pose. But three losses to start their campaign's left them desperate and on the warpath.
"When this team gets knocked down, they like to fight back," said McMillan.
South Africa's already in knock-out mode, and they're seeking redemption for their semi-final loss to New Zealand at the last World Cup.
"For those of us who were involved in that game, it's hard not to bring a smile to the face."
Martin Guptill was the leading runscorer at the 2015 tournament, and blasted an unbeaten 180 against the Proteas the last time the teams squared off in a one day series back in NZ.
"My job is to try get the team off to a good start," Guptill told Newshub. "If I do that, then hopefully I can carry it on deep into the innings.
The Proteas will target the Blackcaps' top order amid suggestions from the South Africans they have a mental edge over their rivals.
"I don't think their middle order and lower order batsmen have been tested enough," said fast bowler Lungi Ngidi.
The weather may have an impact yet again. While it’s sunny in Birmingham now, the forecast for game day is thunderstorms.
"It is frustrating, I'm not going to lie," said Guptill. "But at the end of the day, you can't do anything about it."
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