Australia clinches semifinal spot with win over New Zealand

Australia has clinched a spot in Women's Twenty20 World Cup semifinals with a four-run win over New Zealand in a winner-takes-all match at Junction Oval. four-time champions joined India, South Africa and England in final four. Australia was sent into bat Monday and posted 155-5, with Beth Mooney hitting 60 from 50 deliveries, and Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry each scoring 21.

New Zealand got contributions from top order but lost wickets at regular intervals and went into last over needing 20 runs for victory, finishing just short at 151-7. Katey Martin was unbeaten on 37 from 18 deliveries, including a six from a full toss on last ball of match. Georgia Wareham took three key wickets for 17 runs from four overs and was voted player of match, and pace bowler Megan Schutt returned 3-28. 20-year-old legspinner had Suzie Bates (14) out lbw on a decision review to end eighth over to have New New Zealand at 53-2. Wareham n combined with wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy to have New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine (31) and Maddy Green (28) stumped as Ferns slipped to 108-4 in 16th over.

On downside for Australia, veteran allrounder Perry left field with a right leg injury and could be a doubtful starter for Thursday's semifinals. Lanning said she hoped Perry could recover in time for next st. Australia has had trouble with injuries and has been under pressure since losing tournament-opening game to India.

“It was a crunch game. I thought we handled it really well — calmed nerves early," Lanning said. “We showed we're able to be pretty calm when we're under pump."

India topped Group A with four wins from four games and will play second-place team in Group B in semifinals. England beat 2016 champion West Indies on Sunday night to secure a semifinal spot with six points. South Africa is unbeaten in its first three games and will be hoping to secure top spot in Group B with a victory over West Indies on Tuesday.