Shafali Verma Confident to Deliver in World Cup Semi-Final After Late Call-Up
Mumbai, October 30: Young India opener Shafali Verma has expressed confidence and determination ahead of India’s World Cup semi-final clash against Australia, after being called up as an injury replacement for Pratika Rawal.
The 21-year-old, who was initially left out of India’s World Cup squad, earned a surprise recall following Rawal’s unfortunate injury just before the crucial knockout stage. With the semi-final scheduled to be played at the DY Patil Sports Academy on Thursday, Shafali believes she can rise to the occasion and contribute to India’s campaign if given the opportunity.
“It’s Challenging but Motivating”: Shafali on Late Inclusion
Speaking in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Shafali acknowledged that joining the team this late in the tournament — especially ahead of a high-pressure knockout — presents both challenges and excitement.
“Of course, it’s challenging if you come in directly in the semi-final,” Shafali said. “Playing at home in a World Cup is a different motivation because of the huge crowd that’s cheering you. When you see a packed stadium, your feet start to move automatically as a sportsperson. Motivation is, a 100%, there.”
The young opener, known for her fearless approach at the top of the order, emphasized her focus on keeping things simple.
“The simpler I keep it, the better I will perform. If God has sent me here, I’ll try to play my best game with the best intent — do what the team needs and do what I do best,” she said. “I’ll try to remind myself to ‘stay calm’ and ‘believe in yourself.’ These things help, and I’m doing well in practice. Hopefully, things will get better for me.”
India’s Road to the Semi-Final
India’s path to the final four has been far from smooth. After a roller-coaster group stage that included three wins, three losses, and one abandoned match, India clinched the final semi-final berth by finishing fourth on the points table.
Their crucial victory over New Zealand in a must-win game kept their campaign alive and ensured a semi-final face-off with defending champions Australia — a team that has consistently dominated global tournaments in recent years.
Despite inconsistencies in batting performances during the group stage, India’s bowling unit, led by Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma, has shown impressive discipline under pressure. The team will now look to put up a complete performance against the formidable Australian side.
Replacing Pratika Rawal: A Big Responsibility
Shafali’s inclusion comes after opener Pratika Rawal suffered an injury that ruled her out of the tournament. Rawal had been a key figure in India’s campaign, and her absence leaves a significant void at the top of the order.
As an aggressive batter with the ability to dominate powerplays, Shafali is seen as a natural replacement. Her previous international experience and attacking mindset make her a potential game-changer against Australia’s potent bowling lineup, led by Megan Schutt and Jess Jonassen.
Selectors and team management expressed confidence in Shafali’s ability to handle the big stage, with sources from the BCCI suggesting that her inclusion adds “fresh energy and aggression” to the batting lineup.
Playing Against Australia: A Familiar Rivalry
India and Australia have developed one of the fiercest rivalries in women’s cricket over the past few years. Their last World Cup meeting, the 2020 T20 World Cup final at the MCG, saw Australia lift the trophy before a record crowd.
However, India has since managed to challenge the world champions on several occasions. Memorable wins in Bilaterals and Tri-series encounters have shown that the Indian team has both the skill and the temperament to trouble Australia when it matters most.
With this match being played on home soil, the Indian team hopes that fan support at DY Patil Stadium will create an electrifying atmosphere. “When you play in front of home fans, the motivation doubles,” Shafali said. “You just want to give your 100% and make them proud.”
Shafali Verma’s Career: A Quick Glance
Shafali Verma made her international debut for India at just 15 years old and quickly gained attention for her explosive batting style. Over the years, she has become one of India’s most dynamic young talents, known for her ability to take on bowlers from the first ball.
Her fearless approach has drawn comparisons to Virender Sehwag, and she has already played several match-winning knocks across formats. Shafali was also a key member of India’s 2023 U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup-winning squad, where she led from the front as captain.
Now, returning to the senior side for the semi-final of a global event, Shafali has another opportunity to showcase her talent on the world stage.
Team India’s Focus: Composure and Execution
Head coach Amol Muzumdar has repeatedly emphasized the importance of composure and clear decision-making in knockout games. The team’s strategy, sources say, will focus on early breakthroughs with the ball and partnerships at the top — areas where Shafali could play a crucial role if she opens alongside Smriti Mandhana.
With players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Richa Ghosh in the middle order, India’s batting depth remains strong. However, an aggressive start could help the team set the tone against Australia’s disciplined attack.
What Lies Ahead
The semi-final between India and Australia promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world’s best sides. Australia, aiming for yet another final, remain favorites on paper, but India’s familiarity with home conditions could tilt the balance.
If selected in the playing XI, Shafali’s inclusion will be watched closely — not just as a tactical replacement, but as a statement of India’s trust in youthful confidence and fearless cricket.
A win on Thursday would send India into their third World Cup final appearance, and with players like Shafali ready to make their mark, the team appears motivated to deliver their best performance yet.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Shafali Verma’s return to the Indian squad ahead of the semi-final symbolizes both opportunity and resilience — a reminder that in sport, chances often come when least expected.
Her self-belief, combined with the passion of playing a home World Cup, could provide the spark India needs against a dominant Australian side. As she said, “The simpler I keep it, the better I will perform.”
For Indian fans, that simplicity — combined with her natural aggression — might just be the formula that propels India one step closer to World Cup glory.