Four-time champions Australia used their rich big-match experience to surpass a spirited South Africa by five runs in a rain-hit semi-final here on Thursday, setting up a title clash against first-timers India. There were fears that the second semi-final between Australia and South Africa at the Sydney Cricket Ground too would be washed out like the India and England match earlier in the day. But the weather improved just enough to get a game albeit a curtailed one. Australia skipper Meg Lanning led from the front with an unbeaten 49 off as many balls to take her team to 134-5 in 20 overs. Rain returned during the innings break and South Africa were set a revised target of 98 runs in 13 overs as per the D/L method.

South Africa ended at 92-5 despite a fighting 41 not out off 27 balls from Laura Wolvaardt, leaving them dejected. South Africa were reeling at 24-3 before Wolvaardt and Sune Luus (21) brought them back in the game with a quickfire 47-run stand. In the end, Wolvaardt, who smashed three sixes and two fours, had too much to do on her own. Hosts Australia, who did not have the services of injured star all-rounder Ellyse Perry, were ecstatic after Jess Jonassen was able to defend 19 runs in the final over with South Africa getting 13.