India captain Mithali Raj vowed to play in the women's World Cup final against Australia on Sunday despite injuring her knee during their victory over New Zealand [Images] in the semi-final in Potchefstroom on Thursday.

Raj strained her knee while fielding after playing what proved to be a match-winning innings of 91 not out.

"Even if I'm not fit, I'll definitely play because it's a dream come true to play a final of the World Cup," said Raj, after India made entered the final of the mega event with a 40-run upset of the defending champions.

"It's going to be a big match for us [against Australia] but the girls are all prepared for it," she said.

Raj's efforts with the bat helped India to 204 for 6 and New Zealand, in response, were all out for 164.

Seamer Amita Sharma and off-spinner Nooshin Al Khader took three wickets apiece.

"A couple of early wickets put pressure on the Kiwis; then the match was open for both sides, but Indian spinners are the best in the world. They can turn the ball on any surface," Raj was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

New Zealand skipper Maia Lewis said she has no regrets about putting India in after winning the toss.

"It was definitely a gettable target but obviously we were going to have to bat well," said Lewis.

"Getting off to a start where we lost a couple of quick wickets made it quite hard for us, but full credit to Maria Fahey, who batted well and showed a lot of guts.

"In the end we didn't play very well today and India took their chances. They're an improving side and really deserved it," she said.