Australia reach T20 World Cup semi-finals after beating New Zealand but suffer Ellyse Perry blow

The four-time winners overcome the Kiwis by four runs in Melbourne but the victory came at a major cost

• Women's T20 World Cup hub
• Cross taken to hospital

Australia's passage into the T20 World Cup semi-finals was overshadowed by what could be a tournament-ending hamstring injury for Ellyse Perry.

The four-time winners claimed a four-run victory over New Zealand in Melbourne after successfully defending 156.

Beth Mooney hit 60 from 50 balls as the hosts made 155 for 5 from their 20 overs, with Anna Peterson the pick of the Kiwi bowlers with figures of 2-31.

Sophie Devine (31) and Maddy Green (28) kept New Zealand in the hunt in the chase but wickets at key intervals allowed Australia to stem their progress.

Megan Schutt took 3-28 but it was the performance of spinner Georgia Wareham which secured victory, as she dismissed three of the top four.

Meg Lanning's side will face either England or South Africa in the last four, depending on the outcome in the final round of group matches on Tuesday.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAGAZINE

Despite keeping alive their hopes of claiming a fifth world title, the loss of Perry was the main talking point to emerge from the clash.

She was forced from the field at the start of the 11th over when she appeared to hurt her right hamstring while fielding the ball.

After throwing the ball in on the run Perry collapsed to the floor clutching her leg and had to be helped from the field.

Perry has already had to contend with shoulder and hip issues and is facing a race against time to be fit for the remaining two matches of the competition.

Australia play their semi-final on Thursday before the final is scheduled for Sunday (March 8) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Subscribe to The Cricketer for exclusive content every day: The inside track on England's Test tour with George Dobell in Pakistan, award-winning analysis, breaking news and interviews and the only place for in-depth county coverage all year round. Plus: An ad-free app experience at your fingertips. Subscribe to thecricketer.com today for just £1.