Who is Shafali Verma?

Shafali Verma is a 21-year-old batter who has been called up by India to replace the injured Pratika Rawal for the Women's World Cup semi-final against Australia.

How did Pratika Rawal get injured?

Pratika Rawal sustained an ankle injury while fielding during India's final group game against Bangladesh on October 22nd. She tried to stop a boundary on the slippery outfield but was later unable to bat in the match.

Why is Rawal's injury significant for India?

Rawal was the tournament's second-highest run-scorer with 308 runs in six innings at an average of 51.33, behind only fellow India opener Smriti Mandhana. Her absence is a major blow for India ahead of the crucial semi-final clash against Australia.

Home / Sports / India Replaces Injured Opener Rawal with Rising Star Verma for World Cup Semi-final

India Replaces Injured Opener Rawal with Rising Star Verma for World Cup Semi-final

27 Oct

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Summary

India call up Shafali Verma to replace injured Pratika Rawal
Rawal sustained ankle injury during final group game against Bangladesh
Rawal was tournament's 2nd-highest run-scorer with 308 runs

India Replaces Injured Opener Rawal with Rising Star Verma for World Cup Semi-final

In a significant move ahead of their Women's World Cup semi-final, the Indian cricket team has called up batter Shafali Verma to replace the injured Pratika Rawal. Rawal, who was the tournament's second-highest run-scorer with 308 runs, sustained an ankle injury while fielding during India's final group game against Bangladesh on October 22nd.

The 25-year-old opener tried to stop a boundary on the slippery outfield at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai but was later unable to bat in the match. India's request to replace Rawal in their squad with the 21-year-old Verma has been approved by the International Cricket Council's event technical committee.

Verma, who has not played an ODI for India since October 2024, will now come into contention for a place in the playing XI against Australia in the semi-final showdown on October 30th. With Rawal's injury, Amanjot Kaur, Uma Chetry, and Jemimah Rodrigues are the other potential opening partners for India's star batter Smriti Mandhana.