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Dashing opener Shafali Verma has been named arsenic an injury replacement for the in-form Pratika Rawal up of India’s Women’s ODI World Cup semifinal against powerhouse Australia astatine the DY Patil Stadium connected Thursday (October 31, 2025). Pratika has been ruled retired of the tourney aft sustaining a close ankle wounded during the rain-hit clash against Bangladesh astatine the aforesaid venue connected Sunday (October 26, 2025).
The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed Shafali’s inclusion successful spot of Pratika done a media merchandise connected Monday (October 27, 2025). Once Pratika’s ankle wounded was deemed superior connected Monday (October 27, 2025) morning, it was wide that either Tejal Hasabnis – named arsenic a standby – oregon Shafali would beryllium drafted into the squad.
The Hindu understands that the recently appointed enactment panel, chaired by Amita Sharma, decided to spell with Shafali successful consultation with the squad management. The selectors were keen to inject aggression astatine the apical of the bid against a beardown Australian attack.
Shafali’s omission from the archetypal squad by the erstwhile Neetu David-led committee had raised eyebrows earlier the tournament, and her callback present marks a important turnaround. Shafali, who was successful Surat to correspond Haryana successful the Women’s T20 Trophy, joined the squad connected Monday (October 27, 2025).
Pratika’s wounded has travel arsenic a immense stroke to India’s campaign. The opener has been 1 of the side’s standout performers, amassing 308 runs successful six innings, making her the second-highest run-getter successful the competition. Her flourishing concern with Smriti Mandhana played a captious relation successful India’s march to the semifinals.
The wounded occurred successful the 21st implicit of Bangladesh’s curtailed innings erstwhile Pratika slipped connected the bedewed outfield portion attempting to prevention a 2nd run. She appeared to person twisted her ankle and wounded her knee. Although a stretcher was brought onto the field, she managed to limp disconnected with the enactment of her teammates.
