Shafali Varma Replaces Injured Pratika Rawal for IND vs AUS Semi-Final

Shafali Verma

Shafali Verma has been officially named as the replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal in India’s squad for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 semifinal against Australia. Pratika Rawal sustained a severe ankle and knee injury while fielding in India’s final league match against Bangladesh, ruling her out for the rest of the tournament. The International Cricket Council’s Event Technical Committee approved Shafali Verma’s inclusion as the replacement.

Shafali Verma Stats in ODIs

Here is a summary table of Shafali Verma’s ODI stats as of October 2025:

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Matches Runs HS Average Strike-rate 50s 100s
29 644 71* 23.00 83.20 4 0

Pratika Rawal India’s most consistent performer in World Cup

Pratika Rawal had been one of India’s most consistent performers in the tournament, scoring 308 runs in six innings at an average of 51.33, including a century against New Zealand and a 75-run innings against Australia. Shafali Verma, 21, although not initially part of the main or reserve squads, has shown excellent recent form in domestic cricket and franchise tournaments.

Pratika Rawal Stats in ODIs

Matches Runs HS Average Strike-rate 50s 100s
24 1110 154 50.45 82.84 7 2

With Rawal sidelined, Shafali Verma is expected to bring an aggressive spark to the top order and may feature alongside Smriti Mandhana or alongside other opening options in the semifinal at the DY Patil Sports Academy Stadium in Navi Mumbai on October 30, 2025.

Also Read: Oldest to score a century for India in men’s ODI

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Shyam Sharma is a versatile sports journalist at SportsBigNews, covering football, cricket, and tennis since 2019. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Shyam brings a unique perspective to the world of sports. Whether it's a thrilling football clash, a high-stakes cricket match, or a Grand Slam showdown, his coverage is known for its depth, clarity, and enthusiasm. His multi-sport expertise makes him a valuable voice for fans across disciplines.