Australia has been knocked out of the Women's World Cup, following a 36-run defeat to India in the semi-final.

The reigning world champions had no answer for one of the greatest innings by Sydney Thunder WBBL star Harmanpreet Kaur, who belted an unbeaten 171 off just 115 balls against to guide the Indians to victory.

Australia could be a victim of their own strength as Kaur credited the WBBL competition for giving her the knowledge, confidence and ability to produce the innings in which Australia had no come back for.

Coach Mathew Mott said his team "went to custard" as Australia were unable to react to the situation which caused their demise.

“Very disappointing I think. I thought the start with the ball was good and we executed our plans pretty well but ran in to someone who was red hot and just didn’t adapt quickly enough and possibly the innings of her life,” Mott said.

“We needed to stop the haemorrhaging there when they were going. Just needed some discipline there and just went to custard to be honest. They got far too many.”

Heavy morning rain saw the match delayed by three hours and reduced to 42 overs a side, but the sun came out in the afternoon after India won the toss and elected to bat.

Things started well for Australia, with two wickets in the opening 10 overs, until the arrival of Kaur after Punam changed the match.

She was helped by cameos from Deepti Sharma (25), Mithali Raj (36) and Veda Krishnamurthy (16 not out) as India scored 4-281.

Australia got off to a poor start, crumbling to 3-21 inside the opening eight overs, before Villani (75) gave the Southern Stars some hope with an excellent 105-run partnership with Elysse Perry. However, when Villiani was dismissed the Aussies struggled to produce a meaningful partnership.

Alex Blackwell (90) starred down the order, however, couldn't find a partner to hang around, with no other player scoring more than 14.

A final-final wicket stand of 76 from Blackwell and Kristen Beams (11 not out) improved the margin of defeat but overall it was still a hugely disappointing performance for the world's top ranked side, who were eventually bowled out for 245 off 40.1 overs.

India will face hosts England in the final.