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A superb batting performance enabled Australia to book their World Cup final place at the expense of South Africa at the BIL Oval, Lincoln.

The nine wicket victory came after they had restricted South Africa to just 180 runs in their 50 overs and then reached the total with plenty to spare.

The majority of the runs came from captain Belinda Clark, who shot a dashing 75 and Lisa Keightley who remained unbeaten on 91 and scored the winning runs in the 32nd over.

Hard work

It was particularly satisfying for Clark, who had not enjoyed the best of form during the tournament.

The strength of the Australian batting performance perhaps gives the impression that this was an easy victory.

In fact, the South Africans made them work very hard for the spoils.

They refused to be dictated to by the tournament favourites and seemed to be swaggering to an impressive total, reaching 89 for three after 30 overs.

The fastest bowler in women's cricket, Cathryn Fitzpatrick, came in for some harsh treatment, conceding 26 runs from her first six overs.

Big hitting

But the Australians emphasised why they are so highly thought of by limiting South African ambition during those final 20 overs.

Two wickets to off-spinner Avril Fahey halted the South Africans and they were grateful to Sunnette Viljoen and Alison Hodgkinson for their eventual total.

It appeared a worthy target, but some lusty hitting from the Australian duo made the match seem very one-sided during the closing overs.