South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada produced the best bowling performance of the tournament, taking 6-25 off 8.2 overs, helped defeat the Aussies by 80 runs in the one-day match in Dubai overnight.

Short, who opened the batting for Australia, fell cheaply for seven runs. Australia had been chasing 231 runs for victory and lost its last seven wickets for 54 runs in about 14 overs to be bowled out for 150 in 42.2 overs.

It is a disappointing match for the East Ballarat export, who had chalked up two half-centuries in pool matches.

Earlier, Short had captured 2-14 with the ball and helped sparks South African middle order collapse.

Australia will now play India in the third-placed play-off with South Africa to face Pakistan in Saturday's title match.

Meanwhile, it's one day to Boat Race. Our profile series on Head of the Lake competitors concludes today with Loreto. Find out more here.