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SYDNEY: Smarting from the failure to reach the final of the ICC Women's World Cup, a demoralised India will take on an equally dejected Australia in the third/fourth-place play-off at Bankstown Oval here on Saturday.

The Super Six stage defeat against New Zealand put paid to India's hopes for a place in Sunday's final and the 2005 finalists now play for pride against the hosts.

Considering they are the defending champions, Australia's fate was worse as they could not recover from their Super Six stage defeat against India, something they would like to avenge when Karen Rolton's side takes on Jhulan Goswami and her teammates.

Despite their failure to reach the final, India at least return with the solace that by virtue of finishing in the top four, they - along with England, New Zealand and Australia - have automatically qualified for the 2013 World Cup at home.

India captain Jhulan Goswami was almost in tears after the loss against New Zealand and admitted it might be the last campaign for many of her teammates.

"It is a very disappointing day. We worked extremely hard for the World Cup but all has gone down the drain because of one bad performance," Jhulan rued.

"It is a devastating blow to all of us as the next World Cup will be after four years and who know who will be there by then," she said.

The Indian eves' Super Six campaign opened with a stunning 16-run win over Australia but a loss to New Zealand in the next match put paid to their hopes.

Even the thumping eight-wicket triumph over West Indies in the next match could not help their cause as results of the other Super Six games didn't favour India's chances.