Can India Triumph Over Australia in Women's WC Semi-Final?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ravi Shastri supports the Indian women's team.
- India aims for their first ICC title.
- Australia seeks their eighth title.
- Match taking place at DY Patil Stadium.
- Strategic lineup changes for India.
New Delhi, Oct 30 (NationPress) The former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri has sent his best wishes to the Indian women’s team as they prepare for their World Cup semi-final showdown against Australia, currently taking place at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Shastri, who once served as the head coach of the senior men’s national team, expressed his support on his X account after Australia won the toss and chose to bat. “Best of luck to Amol and the girls. Go for the kill. There’s nothing to lose. Just go for it!” he commented.
The victor of this match will face South Africa in the final on Sunday at the same venue in Navi Mumbai. The Proteas earned their spot in the final for the first time in tournament history after defeating England in the opening semi-final in Guwahati on Wednesday.
While Australia, the defending champions, aim for their record-extending eighth title, the Women in Blue aspire to secure their first-ever ICC trophy, having narrowly missed out on several occasions.
In terms of team updates, Australia’s regular captain Alyssa Healy returned to action after recovering from a calf strain that sidelined her for the previous two matches. Meanwhile, India made three lineup changes: Shafali Verma replaced the injured Pratika Rawal, and Kranti Gaud and Richa Ghosh came in for Harleen Deol and Uma Chetry.
The inclusion of Kranti paid off immediately as the pacer took an early wicket, dismissing the formidable Healy, leaving Australia at 25/1 after just 5.1 overs.
India XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Amanjot Kaur, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, N Shree Charani, Renuka Singh.
Australia XI: Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Kim Garth, Alana King, Megan Schutt.