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India are the first team to lock up a women's Twenty20 World Cup semi-final spot after edging New Zealand by three runs in a thriller at the Junction Oval.
Australia's murky path to the women's Twenty20 World Cup semi-finals is clearer thanks to India locking away their spot in the last-four.
India survived a late blast from New Zealand at Melbourne's Junction Oval on Thursday to win a thriller by three runs and remain undefeated in the tournament.
The Kiwis needed 16 runs from the final over, with Amelia Kerr's dashing unbeaten 34 almost pinching a remarkable victory.
But the White Ferns' top-order was tied down when it mattered as the Kiwis fell just short of chasing down India's gettable 7-133.
India would have to be smashed in an almighty upset by Sri Lanka on Saturday to be any chance of being leapfrogged at the top
It leaves Meg Lanning's Australians destined to battle it out with the Kiwis in a sudden-death showdown on Monday to claim the other semi-final spot from Group B.
India's victory was set-up by explosive opener Shafali Verma, the 16-year-old blasting 46 from 34 balls to get the innings off to a flyer.
But it was slim pickings outside of her glorious innings, with India fortunate New Zealand weren't more polished in the field.
"I hope she continues doing that because her initial runs are very crucial for us," India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said.
The White Ferns' chase never gained any momentum, as captain Sophie Devine and key batter Suzie Bates soaked up a number of deliveries before departing for 14 and six respectively.
"We thought we did a fantastic job. The way Shafali Verma came out at the top, to restrict them to 133 on a reasonably good wicket was a great effort," Devine said.
