Published on 12:00 AM, May 15, 2010

World Twenty20

Aus women in final

Australia captain Alex Blackwell led from the front as her side advanced into the women's World Twenty20 final with a seven-wicket win over India here on Thursday.
Blackwell's 61-- her maiden fifty at this level -- was the centrepiece of Australia's successful pursuit of a target of 120.
Her innings was all the more impressive as Blackwell, only leading the side because wicketkeeper/batsman Jodie Fields withdrew before the tournament with a hamstring injury, came in with the score one for one.
But together with left-handed opener Shelley Nitschke (22), she shared a second-wicket stand of 74 that ended Indian hopes.
By the time Blackwell was stumped by Sulakshana Naik off leg-spinner Priyanka Roy, Australia were 101 for three and in sight of victory.
Blackwell faced 49 balls, including eight fours.
Leah Poulton, unbeaten on 30, ended the match with seven balls to spare with a boundary.
Australia, who lost in last year's semi-final to eventual champions England, will face the winners of Friday's match between the West Indies and New Zealand in Sunday's final at Barbados's Kensington Oval.