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 SCG 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 for five 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 for five despite a fighting 41 not out off 27 balls from Laura Wolvaardt, leaving them dejected.

With the win, Australia advanced to their sixth successive final out of the seven editions held so far.

“It was extremely tense. They needed 19 off the last over and we knew we had to nail it. But that’s T20 cricket for you; I was extremely nervous,” said skipper Lanning.

On the final against India, she added: “India are a class side, they have been playing excellent cricket. We are going to have to play really well. We have been improving each day, it hasn’t been an easy road.

South Africa skipper Dane van Niekerk said her team tried its best.

“To come short every time is difficult, and we aren’t a team that blames anything or anyone; but unfortunately it just wasn’t our year and it wasn’t our day,” she said.