The stage is set for the grand finale of the ICC Women's World T20, currently underway in West Indies.
The first semifinal saw three-time former champions Australia knocking the hosts out of the final showdown stage while a formidable England registered a thumping victory over a high-flying India, who stunningly won all their three group league games, including a smashing win over the Aussies as well.
Both the semifinals were played at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound in Antigua on Thursday.
In the first semifinal of the day, the Australians were eyeing a berth for their fifth final as they were up against the defending champions, who, in fact, won the title by defeating the Aussies in the final in Kolkata in 2016.
Put into bat, Meg Lanning's side made a respectable total of 142 for 5 in their stipulated 20 overs with wicket-keeper-batswoman Alyssa Healy top-scoring with 46 off 38 balls. Skipper Lanning chipped in with a patient 31 while Rachael Haynes made a quick-fire 25 off 15 deliveries.
Alyssa Healy of Australia bats during the ICC Women's World T20 2018 Semi-Final match against West Indies at Sir Viv Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua. /VCG Photo
In reply, the Caribbean batting line-up fell like a pack of cards and collapsed to a disastrous 71. Except for captain Stafanie Taylor, none of the West Indies players could reach a double-digit mark. Out of the form Australian star Ellyse Perry, who achieved the unique distinction of playing for her country in both cricket and soccer World Cup finals, returned to form on the right occasion as she led her side's bowling onslaught by bagging two wickets in just two overs and conceding only two runs.
Healy, 28, who is married to Australia's leading fast bowler Mitchell Starc and a niece of well-known former Australian wicket-keeper Ian Healy, was adjudged the player of the match for her match-winning innings.
England thrash India to book a berth in final
Amy Jones of England bats during the ICC Women's World T20 2018 Semi-Final match against India at Sir Viv Richards Cricket Ground, Antigua. /VCG Photo
High-flying Indian team was grounded by England in the second semifinal as the former champions notched up an 8-wicket victory to make it to the final for the fourth time in the tournament's history.
Earlier, after electing to bat, Harmanpreet Kaur's side faced a rare batting debacle and was restricted to 112 losing all their wickets in 19.3 overs. Even though hard-hitting opener Smriti Mandhana gave a rollicking start with a blistering knock of 34 off 23 balls and 18-year-old youngster Jemimah Rodrigues played a 26 ball cameo innings of 26 runs, the Indian middle-order suffered a batting collapse thanks to some disciplined bowling, spearheaded by off-break bowler Heather Knight, who returned with a match figure of three wickets for nine runs.
Natalie Sciver of England bats during the ICC Women's World T20 2018 Semi-Final match against India. /VCG Photo
Although England lost their openers Danielle Wyatt and Tammy Beaumont early in their chase, wicket-keeper-batswoman Amy Jones and Natalie Sciver steadied the ship and helped their side cruise through to the final with an unbeaten partnership of 92 runs. Jones hit 53 off 45 deliveries while Sciver smashed 52 off 40 balls to accomplish the comfortable victory.
The final is scheduled for November 24 at the same venue in Antigua.