Stars don't stop believin' on the journey

On the eve of the World T20 semi-final, Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars skipper Meg Lanning spoke about Australia's belief, experience and the ability to thrive under pressure.

Lanning, who at age 24 is already a veteran of world tournaments, noted it was those elements which gave her team the assurance they could win from any position.

As it happened, the Southern Stars were forced to draw on every ounce of their belief and experience in Delhi on Wednesday when England were seemingly cruising towards a spot in the World Twenty20 final.

Match Report: Stars reach fourth WT20 final

Never ones to get flustered when things aren't going their way, Australia produced a drastic turnaround, taking 7-50 in the final 10 overs to deny England by five runs and keep alive their hopes of an unprecedented fourth-straight title.

It’s a belief that comes from a history of nail-biting victories in World T20 tournaments, the most notable of those their three-run win over New Zealand in the 2010 final and their four-run victory over England in 2012.

Wednesday’s victory can now be added to the list.

"I guess it comes from being (in those positions before) in big games," Lanning said after Wednesday's match.

"We knew a couple of wickets change the momentum pretty quick.

"We were able to get (Charlotte) Edwards and (Tammy) Beaumont, the two set batters, pretty close to each other which I thought was crucial, then we were able to squeeze them and the run rate climbed pretty quickly.

"We knew their middle order had got a bit nervous and lost a few wickets a few times during the tournament, so we knew if we got a couple of wickets and kept the pressure on, we could make them take risks."

Image Id: ~/media/EF7ADB8E7F0B47CCBAA5450B345DAF13 Image Caption: England's bench contemplate their batting collapse // Getty

Australia had spoken pre-game of the need to begin strongly with the ball, but their trend of disappointing starts continued when Edwards and Beaumont raced to 67 in 9.5 overs before the first wicket fell.

However, the Southern Stars have been masterful the shutting down their opposition batters during the middle overs and in the late stages of the innings.

That Australia had been in similar situations with the trophy on the line made this – a mere knockout just to reach the final – a situation the bowlers led by Megan Schutt and Ellyse Perry felt comfortable and composed enough to produce another extraordinary display.

"I think it gives us a good blueprint of what we need to do under pressure," Lanning said.

"We didn't start that well with the ball, we gave away some free runs and extras and probably bowled a little bit wide as well.

"(But) we know our last 10 overs are very good.

"It's just about trying to do that a little bit earlier I guess, but I've got full faith in all of our bowlers to be able to come back and restrict them at the end."

Now, the Southern Stars must wait for the result of Thursday's second semi-final to discover who they will meet in Kolkata on Sunday.

While West Indies would no doubt be Australia's preferred opponent, with the Southern Stars soundly beaten by New Zealand in the group stage, Lanning said her team believed they could turn around a recent poor record against the White Ferns, should they advance.

"We're not fussed about who we play. New Zealand are in very good form and have played some very good cricket recently, especially against us.

"But we're quite good at getting up for big games and putting our best on the park when it counts.

"So whoever we play, we'll have to play really well but we'll be ready for them."