Australia overcome South Africa to reach World Cup final

Australia registered a hard-fought three-wicket win over South Africa to advance to the final of the 50-over Cricket World Cup.

South Africa were bowled for a below-par 212 despite David Miller's defiant 101 but the chase was not as straightforward as Pat Cummins and his team would have liked.

Travis Head (62) led Australia's rollicking start before a mid-innings wobble put the five-time champions in a spot of bother.

The Proteas did not let 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.

Earlier, Temba Bavuma's decision to bat under an overcast sky backfired and his side slumped to 24-4 inside 12 overs before light rain held up play.

Miller and Heinrich Klaasen (47) arrested the slide after play resumed with a 95-run partnership but Head's double strike put Australia back in charge.

In Sunday's final in Ahmedabad, Australia will face hosts India, who beat New Zealand in the first semi-final on Wednesday.