Shastri, a former head coach of the senior men\u2019s team, shared a message on his X account after Australia won the toss and opted to bat. \u201cWish Amol and the girls. Boss go for the kill. Nothing to lose. Bindaas,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The winner of this clash will face South Africa in the tournament final on Sunday at the same venue in Navi Mumbai. The Proteas defeated England in the first semi-final in Guwahati on Wednesday to book themselves a place in the final for the first time in the tournament\u2019s history.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While Australia, the defending champions, are looking to win the tournament for a record-extending eighth time, the Women in Blue are eyeing their first-ever ICC title, having come close to clinching the silverware on several occasions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
As for Australia, regular skipper Alyssa Healy resumed her duties after missing the team\u2019s previous two matches due to a calf strain. India, meanwhile, made three changes. They brought in Shafali Verma for the injured Pratika Rawal, after the opening batter was ruled out of the tournament, and replaced Harleen Deol and Uma Chetry with Kranti Gaud and Richa Ghosh.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The decision to bring back Kranti worked wonders for the Women in Blue as the pacer struck early to dismiss the dangerous Healy to reduce Australia to 25\/1 in 5.1 overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
As for Australia, regular skipper Alyssa Healy resumed her duties after missing the team\u2019s previous two matches due to a calf strain. India, meanwhile, made three changes. They brought in Shafali Verma for the injured Pratika Rawal, after the opening batter was ruled out of the tournament, and replaced Harleen Deol and Uma Chetry with Kranti Gaud and Richa Ghosh.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n