Harmanpreet Kaur's stunning century helped India beat six-time champions Australia by 36 runs in Derby and reach the Women's World Cup final. Kaur smashed an unbeaten 171 - the highest score by an India player at a World Cup - as they made 281-4 from their rain-reduced 42 overs.

A big-hitting cameo from Alex Blackwell (90) gave Australia hope but they were bowled out for 245 with 11 balls left. Mithali Raj's side will face England in Sunday's sold-out final at Lord's. Kaur's powerful hitting, which included 20 boundaries and seven sixes, put the defending champions under pressure as India struck 81 runs from the final six overs.

Australia were nine wickets down and still 113 runs behind when Blackwell began to hit out.

Her aggressive innings, the vice-captain striking 10 boundaries and three sixes, took Australia to within touching distance of reaching their ninth World Cup final. It is the first time India have reached a World Cup final since 2005 in South Africa, where they lost to Australia by 98 runs.

Courtesy:BBC