Shafali Verma and Pratika Rawal (Source:@Vikas662005 and AFP)
In a significant development, India have named hard-hitting batter Shafali Verma as the replacement for Pratika Rawal, who has been ruled out of the World Cup due to injury.
The opener twisted her right ankle while fielding in India's last group stage match against Bangladesh. She was carried off the field after that setback and did not come out to bat in the second innings. Thus, with no backup opener in the squad, the selectors have decided to bring in Shafali Verma ahead of the crucial semifinal against Australia.
Pratika Rawal has been in great form in this World Cup and has scored 308 in six innings at an average of 51.33. She also scored a century against New Zealand and hit a fifty against Australia when the two teams locked horns in the group stage. Thus, India are likely to miss the stability she provides at the top, and her partnership with Smriti Mandhana was important in setting the stage for a win against New Zealand.
Shafali Verma expected to play against Australia
However, Shafali Verma would add a different dimension to the Indian batting line-up with her aggressive approach. She has shown good form since being dropped from the ODI side and would now look to make this recall on the big stage count. Shafali also has the experience of facing Australia in World Cup matches and could directly fit into the XI for the semifinal.
Richa Ghosh also got a hit on her finger during the game against New Zealand and was subsequently rested for the Bangladesh game. She is expected to be fit for the all-important semifinal as India look to upset the World Champions after going down against them on numerous occasions in the past.
India and Australia will go head-to-head in the Semifinal 2 on Thursday, October 30, at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
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