Australia defeated South Africa by 24 runs on Tuesday to claim the last place in the Women's World Twenty20 semi-finals. Australia made 164-6 but they were struggling at 79 for 5 at one stage before Karen Rolton (43) and Alex Blackwell (40 not out) rescued the situation. Right-arm medium pacer Shabnin Ismail was the most successful bowler for South Africa with figures of 3 for 27 in four overs.
South Africa got off to a flying start in their reply with Shandre Fritz (39) and Trisha Chetty (36) putting on 73 for the first wicket. But opening bowler Shelley Nitschke claimed 4-21 to put the brakes on as South Africa finished at 140 for 7. Australia now join India, England and New Zealand in the knockout stages of the tournament.