Shafali Verma Steps Up as India Prepares for Clash Against Australia

In a strategic move, Shafali Verma was added to India's squad ahead of the Women's ODI World Cup semifinal against Australia, after opener Pratika Rawal was sidelined with knee and ankle injuries. The team, eager to face seven-time champions Australia, utilized their valuable pre-match training session under the lights on Tuesday.

During the session at the University Ground, Verma, 21, honed her skills, starting with high catching practice and transitioning to batting alongside India's top order. She demonstrated her powerful hitting, despite occasionally struggling with sweep shots. Her dedication was evident as she spent over an hour batting and later faced ace bowlers Deepti Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, and Radha Yadav.

Adding to the team's momentum, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana's exceptional form stood out as she executed crisp drives and lofted hits during the nets. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh resumed her training, overcoming fitness concerns to participate fully, having been rested in the previous game against Bangladesh.