ICC Women's World Cup Semi-final 1: Australia to take on West Indies but without Ellyse Perry

Australia has remained unbeaten in the seven-group stage matches to end up on top of the table. 

12th World Cup final for Australia?

Australian women dominated each match and are looking to be the favorite ones to hold the title again. They have performed exceedingly well in all departments on-field. Ellyse Perry, Australia's all-rounder, did not play the last group-stage match due to her injury, in which Mag Lanning comfortably led the team to victory against Bangladesh. However, she has been ruled out from the World Cup semi-final. This will be a major blow to Australia as she plays a vital role as an all-rounder. Skipper Meg Lanning has been leading from the front and has been the second-highest run-scorer in this competition.

Meg Lanning on absence of Ellyse Perry said, "We'll go in without her tomorrow and we'll keep assessing her if we are to progress in the tournament." She further added "So, unfortunate for her and the team, obviously, a big blow but we feel like we've got some good depth to be able to cover it and we're going to have to do that tomorrow."

Can West Indies defy expectations?

On the other hand, West Indies women managed to sneak into the semis with 7 points as they finished fourth after India got defeated by South Africa. They just managed to win three out of seven games in the tournament so far, and one got abandoned due to rain. Because of one point, they got due to an abandoned match followed by India's defeat against South Africa that landed West Indies a backdoor entry into the semi-finals. Their bowling unit has been Astrong so far, but the batters still need to bring in their best to give a tough fight to Australia.

Pitch Report

A bit of grass and moisture is expected at Wellington with hovering clouds. Bowlers will get early movement with the new ball; therefore, the toss winning team will look to prefer chase.

Predicted Playing XI

Australian Women: Rachael Haynes, Alyssa Healy(w), Meg Lanning(c), Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Jess Jonassen, Annabel Sutherland, Alana King, Megan Schutt

West Indies Women: Deandra Dottin, Rashada Williams, Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor(c), Shemaine Campbelle(w), Chedean Nation, Kycia Knight, Afy Fletcher, Chinelle Henry, Anisa Mohammad, Shamilia Connell

West Indies need to put their best foot forward in all departments against favorite Australia, if they want to reach the finals. On the other hand, Australia will look to keep their basics ticked and play to enter another final aiming for the World Cup. The way the tournament has proceeded so far, it's highly anticipated that we could witness another intriguing, nail-biting thriller fight on who qualifies for the World Cup finals.