In a dramatic last-minute call-up for India’s ICC Women’s World Cup semifinal against Australia, opening batter Shafali Verma expressed mixed emotions. While saddened by teammate Pratika Rawal’s injury, which paved her return, Verma felt a strong sense of purpose. ‘What happened with Pratika wasn’t a good thing for any sportsperson,’ Shafali stated before the crucial match at the DY Patil Stadium. ‘But I truly believe God has sent me here to achieve something significant.’
Shafali Verma, the dynamic Indian opener, preparing to play in the semi-final clash against Australia.
The 21-year-old talent was abruptly pulled from leading Haryana in the National Women’s T20 tournament in Surat. Her urgent recall came after Rawal sustained unfortunate knee and ankle injuries during India’s final league game against Bangladesh. Verma quickly joined the national squad on Monday, immediately diving into night training sessions with her teammates.
Shafali wasted no time, engaging in extensive batting practice in the nets and rigorous fielding drills alongside star players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Sneh Rana, and Harleen Deol. Since her ODI debut in 2021, the right-handed batter has accumulated 644 runs, including four half-centuries, across 29 matches.
Reflecting on her form, Verma shared, ‘I was performing very well in domestic cricket.’ Regarding the high-stakes semifinal, she added, ‘Playing in semifinals isn’t new to me. The key will be maintaining mental clarity and confidence.’
Transitioning back to the longer 50-over format, especially after a period focused on T20s, hasn’t been without its challenges, Shafali confessed. ‘As a batter, switching formats isn’t always easy. However, with our recent practice sessions, I’ve focused on staying calm at the crease, playing sensible shots, and maximizing scoring opportunities on balls within my hitting arc,’ she explained.
Having faced Australia multiple times before, Shafali believes her prior experience against their bowlers will be a significant advantage. ‘I understand their bowling strategies. I need to trust my strengths because they will undoubtedly come at us aggressively, and we’ve been preparing thoroughly for that challenge,’ she affirmed.
With a coveted spot in the final on the line, Shafali concisely articulated the team’s collective mentality: ‘We’re in the semifinals now, and everyone understands that we must give 200 percent. There’s no room for error; it’s a knockout match.’