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MOHALI, India, March 14 - Australia dramatically snatched a five-run victory over West Indies on Thursday to scramble into the World Cup final.

Favourites Australia now play Sri Lanka in Sunday's final in Lahore, Pakistan.

West Indies were on course for success at 165 for two in pursuit of a target of 208, only to lose their last eight wickets for 37 in a sensational collapse to 202 all out. Paceman Glenn McGrath started the slide by dismissing opener Shivnarive Chanderpaul for a disciplined 80, and leg-spinner Shane Warne snapped up three wickets as the pressure grew on the Caribbean team.

West Indies needed 10 off the last over but lost their last two wickets to the second and third deliveries, leaving captain Richie Richardson stranded on 49 not out.

West Indies had made a wonderful start to the game when Curtly Ambrose and Ian Bishop, each taking two wickets, fired out the top four Australian batsmen for 15 runs.

The collapse was halted by a partnership of 138, an Australian record for the fifth wicket in a World Cup match, between Stuart Law, who made 72 in 105 deliveries, and Michael Bevan, with 69 from 110 balls.

They were both out just when it looked as though Australia might set a testing target, and it was left to wicketkeeper Ian Healy (31) to lift the total to 207 for eight in their 50 overs with a few well- timed blows. (Reuter)

Man of the match: Shane Warne