Womenâ€s World Cup: Shafali Verma returns! replaces injured Pratika Rawal ahead of semi-final vs Australia | Cricket News

Shafali Verma (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images) Shafali Verma has been named as Pratika Rawalâ€s replacement in Indiaâ€s squad for the Womenâ€s ODI World Cup 2025, just two days before their semi-final clash against Australia at the DY Patil Stadium. The 21-year-old opener, who was initially left out of the main and reserve squads, has been drafted in after Rawal was ruled out of the tournament with knee and ankle injuries sustained during Indiaâ€s final league-stage match against Bangladesh. The injury occurred in the 21st over of Bangladeshâ€s innings when Rawal twisted her ankle while attempting to stop a boundary at deep mid-wicket. She immediately fell to the ground in pain and had to be helped off by the support staff. Scans later confirmed that the 25-year-old would not be fit in time for the rest of the World Cup.

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Rawalâ€s absence is a major blow to Indiaâ€s campaign. She has been one of the teamâ€s most consistent performers, scoring 308 runs in six innings at an average of 51.33, including a match-winning century against New Zealand and a vital 75 against Australia. Her opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana has been the backbone of Indiaâ€s batting, the pair adding a record 212 runs against New Zealand earlier in the tournament. Shafaliâ€s return, however, offers India a spark of aggression at the top. The young opener has been in superb domestic and franchise form, scoring 527 runs in the one-day format for Haryana at an average of 75.28 and striking 304 runs for Delhi Capitals in WPL 2025. Though she hasnâ€t played an ODI for India since October 2024, her recent performances for India A against Australia A and New Zealand A underline her readiness. With Rawal sidelined, India may also consider Amanjot Kaur or Harleen Deol to partner Mandhana if Shafali doesnâ€t feature immediately. The semi-final against Australia on October 30 now promises to be a real test of Indiaâ€s depth and adaptability as they push for a place in the World Cup final.

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