Australia defeated holders Japan today to book their place in the final of the Junior Men's Softball World Championship in Prince Albert in Canada ©WBSC

Australia defeated holders Japan today to book their place in the final of the Junior Men's Softball World Championship in Prince Albert in Canada.

Shaun Lanagan threw a complete game, allowing only a run in the first inning, as the Aussies triumphed 4-2 at the Prime Ministers' Park Field.

It is the first time Australia have qualified for the gold medal match since they won their fourth-straight world title in 2008.

Japan will have a second opportunity to reach the final when they face New Zealand in tomorrow’s bronze medal match.

New Zealand progressed to the match by beating Mexico 8-0 and then hosts Canada 5-2.

Canada had earlier overcome Argentina 6-4.

New Zealand will face Japan in the bronze medal match with the winner going onto meet Australia in the final ©WBSC
New Zealand will face Japan in the bronze medal match with the winner going onto meet Australia in the final ©WBSC

They have finished fourth with Argentina fifth and Mexico sixth.

In today’s ninth-place play-off, India beat South Africa 4-1.

The Indians ensured their place in the match by defeating Guatemala 1-0.

South Africa, meanwhile, had to come through two encounters, overcoming Hong Kong 5-3 and Guatemala 10-2.

They finished 10th with Guatemala 11th and Hong Kong 12th.

Both medal matches are scheduled for tomorrow.