England were outclassed at Potchefstroom as Australia deservedly reached the finals of the Women's World Cup. England's troubles started early and thereafter did not posted a near enough recovery to really challenge Australia.

Led by Belinda Clarke, Australia inserted England into bat and England were quickly reduced to twenty-one for the loss of three wickets. Cathryn Fitzpatrick claimed the wickets of openers Laura Newton and Clare Taylor and then, sent back Charlotte Edwards to practically stifle the England effort. 

Claire Connor came to the rescue for England with a typically fighting knock of thirty-five with Arran Brindle fighting bravely herself for thirty-two only to be stumped later by Julia Price. Connor's resistance was earlier broken by Hayes. England slipped to a sorry 106 for the loss of eight wickets. Clare Taylor's last charge for twenty-nine boosted her career statistics but England shortchanged their innings, posting only 158 for the mighty Australians. 

After some incisive bowling, Australia turned on the magic with the bat. Belinda Clarke led from the front. While Karen Rolton added a useful partnership in addition to the wickets of Jane Smit and Isa Guha earlier in the day, Mel Jones did her bit as well as Clarke raised an authoritative sixty-two that decisively turned the match in Australia's favour. She was later aided by Lisa Sthalekar who contributed twenty-nine.

Australia now await the result of the second semi-final between India and New Zealand. Should India sweep past New Zealand, it would set up a clash between the same countries who contested the 2003 World Cup. If Australia do end up meeting New Zealand the coming Sunday, it would undoubtedly be a repeat of the last women's world cup finale. Either way, it promises an interesting brace of matches in a rain-marred tournament.