An Ash Gardner half century helped steer Australia into the final four of the T20 World Cup unbeaten, and send home fierce rivals India, in a record-breaking run chase at Lords overnight.
With her second 50 of the tournament, an unbeaten Gardner combined with Ellyse Perry at the crease for a decisive 100-run partnership and propel their side to eclipsing India's total of 170 with six wickets in hand.
It's the largest successful run chase in the tournament's history.
Gardner finished still at the crease with 53 from 29 balls, including six boundaries — just pipped by Perry (56), with Georgia Wareham seeing out the result in a short cameo at the end of the 19th over.
Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed a knock of 56 from 27 to set up her side's innings, helped by each of their top four getting into the 30s.
Sophie Molineux had two wickets, with Smriti Mandhana run out and Jemimah Rodrigues retiring out.
A win over Australia would have helped India leapfrog South Africa for a semi-finals spot on net run rate.
Gardner's side finished unscathed at the top of Pool A with five wins from five, and now face the West Indies on Tuesday night, Australian time, for a spot in next week's final.
The Muruwari allrounder has proved most damaging with the bat through the pool stages, hitting big each time in response to modest scores.
Between adding just one against South Africa to start the World cup and a two-ball duck against Pakistan, Gardner bolster opener Beth Mooney's 74 with a 58 of her own at a strike rate of 181 against the Netherlands.
She's picked up just the one wicket for the tournament with the ball.
Speaking to Cricket Australia media in London, Gardner said Australia's success coming with the luxury of experience and no need to rely on a few to get the job done.
"I feel like throughout this whole campaign we've played some amazing cricket, we've set some big scores, we've chased really well at times too. And I think the best thing about this side, in bowling and batting, different people stand up at different moments," Gardner said.
Australia has taken home the T20 World Cup on six occasions, with reigning champions New Zealand unable to get out of the pool stage with two wins.
India ended Australia's dominance at the 50-over World Cup with a five-wicket win in last year's semi final before going on to claim the trophy over South Africa.
South Africa face hosts England in the other semi final on Friday morning, Australian time.
