Australia defied the rain to beat South Africa by five runs on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method and set up a Women's T20 World Cup final against India.

Defending champions Australia were able to post 134-5 from their 20 overs after a delayed start, with captain Meg Lanning top-scoring with 49.

South Africa, who were chasing a rain-revised 98 from 13 overs, crumbled to 24-3 and were always behind the rate at the Sydney Cricket Ground despite Laura Wolvaardt's unbeaten 41 from just 27 balls.

However, Australia will take heart from a superb bowling performance at the Sydney Cricket Ground that left South Africa's captain, Dane van Niekerk, close to tears at the end of the match as her side once again missed out on a first global final.

Australia have featured in every T20 World Cup final since 2010, and have claimed the title four times.

India, who reached the final as Group A winners after their semi-final against England was rained off, were the only team to beat Australia during the group stages but it is the first time they have reached the T20 final.

Source: 1857 HRS, MAR 05, 2020

SMS