Aussies cop worst-possible news on Ellyse Perry

Australia will be without Ellyse Perry for the remainder of the T20 World Cup after the star all-rounder was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

A shattered Perry hobbled off Melbourne's Junction Oval with a hamstring injury in Monday's win over New Zealand which put Australia into the semi-finals and team doctor Pip Inge says it's a high-grade strain that will also rule her out of the tour to South Africa later this month.

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Coach Matthew Mott says Perry will remain with Australia's 15-player World Cup squad, with no changes to be made for Thursday's semi-final against England or South Africa at the SCG.

Perry overcame an injury cloud to take part in the match against New Zealand, making a quick-fire 21 runs (off 15 balls) with the bat to help Australia to 5-155 off their 20 overs.

The allrounder's injury curse struck again though in the field as she tried to effect a run-out from a quick New Zealand single.

Rain could halt Aussies in semi-final

Rain threatens to end Australia's Women's T20 World Cup title defence one match short of the final.

Group A runners-up Australia are scheduled to meet the winners of Group B, South Africa or England, in a semi-final at the SCG on Thursday evening.

Rain is forecast in Sydney on Thursday and Australia will be eliminated if the match does not go ahead, with no reserve days scheduled for any matches except the final.

Under the tournament rules, the group winners would progress to Sunday's final at the MCG if semi-finals are abandoned.

Australia finished second to India in their group.

A minimum of 10 overs are required in each batting innings for a legitimate game, making rain delays harder to fit in.

With AAP