Sports desk:

India reached a maiden women`s Twenty20 World Cup final on Thursday after their last four clash against England was washed out, sparking calls for the International Cricket Council to include reserve days in future events. Harmanpreet Kaur`s unbeaten side were due to face the 2009 champions at the Sydney Cricket Ground, but the rain began pouring early in the day with barely any let-up.

With a minimum 10 overs per side needed for a result and no break in the weather, the umpires called it off without a ball being bowled. Normally, five overs per side are needed to constitute a Twenty20 match, but the rules are different for ICC tournaments.
Four-time champions Australia are scheduled to take on South Africa later in the second semi-final, with that match also under threat. With no reserve day, the highest-ranked teams from the two groups move into the final if play is not possible.

That would pit India against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, where organisers are hoping to attract 90,000 plus fans, denying Australia a chance to defend their crown.