Australia seal World Cup final spot after nervy win over South Africa

Australia will face hosts India in Sunday's World Cup final after a nervy last-four victory over South Africa in Kolkata.

The match at Eden Gardens on Thursday looked set for a quick finish after South Africa were bowled out for 212 with David Miller's defiant 101 the saving grace for the Proteas.

Australia then surged to 60 without loss after six overs as Travis Head and David Warner flew out of the blocks with the Baggy Greens looking set for an easy victory.

But once Aiden Markram bowled Warner for 29, the wickets fell regularly with only Head (62) reaching his half-century as the five-time champions suffered a mid-innings wobble.

South Africa did not let any big partnerships bloom but Australia eventually reached the target with 16 balls to spare with Steve Smith (30) and Jos Inglis (28) providing useful cameos.

Captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc saw their team over the line and they will now face India in Ahmedabad after the hosts defeated New Zealand in their last-four clash on Wednesday.

“It's hard to unpack all of that. I didn't move for the past couple of hours,” said player of the match Head, who also claimed two wickets in two balls to remove Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen. “It was a tense finish and an amazing game.

“We knew how it was going to play and how we would adapt. You train, go to bed and think about it. I think the pitches have been unbelievable. We knew it would be a grind and a battle and that's what it was.

“After the broken hand I thought I wasn't going to be here. I just want to contribute for Australia and will have another chance in a couple of days.”

Head's wicket of Klaasen (47 from 48 balls) was particularly important as he had begun to form a dangerous partnership with Miller. “I