'I'll do well': Shafali primed for big stage in Navi Mumbai

Broadcast Details for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup

Hard-hitting India batter Shafali Verma is confident she can make an immediate impact if earning selection in the knockout semi-final against Australia at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup.

Shafali was drafted into India's squad earlier this week after opener Pratika Rawal was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament with an ankle injury she picked up against Bangladesh.

It would appear Shafali will come in as a direct replacement for Pratika at the top of India's batting order to partner star opener Smriti Mandhana and the 21-year-old believes she is ready to perform against the reigning champions in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.

“It’s just a matter of keeping my mind clear and giving myself confidence,” Shafali said.

“I’ve been in such situations earlier, so it’s nothing new. I’ll keep telling myself to stay calm and believe in myself. So absolutely, I’ll do well, 200 percent.

“Of course, what happened with Pratika as a sportsperson, seeing that doesn’t feel good. No one wants any player go through such an injury, but I believe God has sent me here to do something good.

“My father, my family, everyone was very happy. I’m also really happy to be back with the team. It’s a very good opportunity for me, and if I get to play, I’ll give my best.”

Shafali featured at the most recent Women's World Cup in New Zealand in 2022, with the right-hander accumulating 107 runs at an average of 26.75 which included a quickfire half-century against South Africa during the league stage.

A dip in form saw Shafali dropped from India's ODI squad towards the end of last year, but an untimely injury to Pratika has worked to her advantage as she gets set for a first appearance at this World Cup in the knockout semi-final against Australia.

“When I joined the team, everyone was very welcoming,” Shafali said. “I felt really good seeing that.

“All the players I’ve spoken to have boosted my confidence a lot, which means a lot to me. The coach, captain, and even Smriti (Mandhana) told me that I just need to play my game, there’s no pressure.

“I just have to play the way I know, without panicking. So yes, I’ve been given a lot of freedom, and I’ll try to respect the good balls and hit the ones in my range. It’s been a great welcome, and hopefully, if I get the chance, I’ll do well.

“I’ve played against Australia many times, so it’s not something new for me. I know their bowlers and their styles. I’ll back my strengths, and yes, they’ll come hard at us but we’ve prepared a lot and everyone’s in touch.

“Hopefully, we’ll perform well. We’re focused on doing well, and if we do that, of course, we’ll win.”

India's task will be that little bit more difficult with Australia likely to regain the services of skipper and star opener Alyssa Healy for the semi-final contest.

Healy trained well in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday and Australia coach Shelley Nitschke said the veteran would be given right up until the toss to prove her fitness.

"She (Healy) trained well yesterday," Nitschke said.

"We'll still give her as much time as she needs to make a call on that sort of before the game tomorrow."