Aussies qualify for World T20 semi-finals

Australia has held on to defeat New Zealand by four runs at Junction Oval on Monday, the result enough to see the host nation through to the semi-finals.

Meg Lanning's side will sweat on the fitness of star all-rounder Ellyse Perry, who left the field in the eleventh over of New Zealand's batting innings with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

Australia were invited to bat first and posted 5/155, opener Beth Mooney top scoring with 60 from 50 balls with contributions from Lanning (21), Perry (21) and Ash Gardner (20).

With the winner to claim a spot in the semi-finals it was all on the line for the Silver Ferns in the chase, the leg-spin of Georgia Wareham (3-17 from four overs) the difference as she claimed the crucial wickets of Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates.

A late cameo from Katie Martin (37 from 18 balls) gave New Zealand a late chance, but they would fall just short despite a last ball six.

Opening bowler Megan Schutt claimed three wickets at the death to help see Australia through to a semi-final in Sydney against either England or South Africa on Thursday.

IMAGE: Fox Sports.