The last thing Shafali Verma wanted was to see an in-form Pratika Rawal suffer an injury. But she believes it was perhaps divine intervention that saw her unexpectedly drafted into India’s Playing XI for the World Cup semifinal against Australia — despite not even being part of the official reserves, let alone the main squad.
When Rawal suffered a little fracture to her ankle during fielding in the final group league match against Bangladesh, Shafali, who was leading Haryana in the National Women’s T20, was called from Surat to Mumbai on SOS.
“What happened with Pratika, as a sportsperson, it wasn’t a good thing. No one wants any sportsperson to sustain such an injury. But God has sent me here to do something good,” Shafali told mediapersons ahead of the marquee clash.
In her most recent match for Haryana, Shafali scored 55 off 24 balls. She also scored well for India A during their recent tour to Australia.
The 21-year-old has played in the T20 World Cup final in Australia in 2020, so even though her record in WODIs is modest—an average of 23 across 29 games and just four half-centuries—the big stage is nothing new to her.
“I was playing domestic (cricket) and I was in a very good touch. Talking about the semifinals, it’s not like it’s something new for me because I have played in the semifinals before. It depends how I keep myself clear mentally and keep giving myself confidence. I have played in semifinals before.”
Shafali is still struggling to grasp the 50-over format, which is more difficult for her than the T20 format, where she has played 90 games for the national side and has a strike rate of 131.
“I was playing T20s but as a batter, it’s not that easy to switch. But we had a practice session today as well as yesterday (Tuesday). I tried to stay calm while batting. I tried to play good balls along the ground and those that were in my range, I tried to hit them well.
“I have had long batting sessions in the last two days, and I felt great knowing I did all that I was trying to do,” she added.
She has been in and out of the squad over the last few years owing to inconsistent form, but she was greeted as if she had never gone when she checked in.
“When I joined the team, everyone was very welcoming and it felt good to see that and all the players I have spoken to have boosted me up.
“All the players I have spoken to, coach, captain and even Smriti di, they all said that I have to play my game. There is nothing to panic about and when I ‘am getting this kind of freedom, I will try to respect the good balls and will obviously hit those who are in my length (hitting range).”
Shafali is aware of what is required of her in a crucial match because she has participated in numerous games against Australia.
“I’ve played against Australia a lot of times and it’s not the case where I would assess first and then react. I know how their bowlers bowl. I have to back my strengths (because) absolutely they will come hard at us and we have prepared well for it.
“We are in the semis now and everyone knows that we have to give 200 percent. There won’t be no second chance because it is a knockout (game) and everyone will try to give their best.”
