Indore, Oct 25 (NationPress) Australia has emerged victorious in the toss, opting to bowl first against South Africa during the Women's World Cup clash at the Holkar Cricket Stadium this Saturday.

The Australian team is playing without their regular captain, Alyssa Healy, who has suffered a minor calf injury in training. Tahila McGrath is stepping up to lead the team in her absence.

Georgia Wareham has been brought in to replace Alana King in Australia's lineup, while Sinalo Jafta and Masabata Klaas are back for South Africa.

"We’ve chosen to bowl first. This ground has been favorable for chasing. Batting under lights seems a bit easier. We continually analyze our performances to make necessary adjustments, and it would be great to get things right today as we look to build momentum heading into the semifinals. We’ll stick with a day-by-day approach. Alyssa trained well yesterday, but we’ll keep evaluating her situation. Georgia Wareham is back for Alana King," said Australia’s captain Tahila McGrath at the toss.

South Africa's skipper Laura Wolvaardt commented, "We hope to replicate our previous success today. We've made two changes – Nadine de Klerk returns, and Masabata Klaas is also in the team. Today presents a unique opportunity for us, as we’ve never finished at the top of the table in any World Cup format, allowing us to test our skills against one of the best teams in the world. We’re very excited!"

Currently, Australia leads the World Cup points table but needs a victory to maintain that position. A top finish would set them up against India in the second semifinal on October 30 in Navi Mumbai, while South Africa would face England in the first semifinal on October 29 in Guwahati.

If Australia loses, they will drop to second place and face England in the first semifinal, while South Africa would ascend to the top of the table to play India in the second semifinal.

Playing XIs

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta (w), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba.

Australia: Georgia Voll, Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Beth Mooney (w), Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath (c), Georgia Wareham, Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt.