Dashing opener Shafali Verma has been named as an injury replacement for the in-form Pratika Rawal ahead of India’s Women’s ODI World Cup semifinal against powerhouse Australia at the DY Patil Stadium on Thursday (October 31, 2025). Pratika has been ruled out of the tournament after sustaining a right ankle injury during the rain-hit clash against Bangladesh at the same venue on Sunday (October 26, 2025).

The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed Shafali’s inclusion in place of Pratika through a media release on Monday (October 27, 2025). Once Pratika’s ankle injury was deemed serious on Monday (October 27, 2025) morning, it was clear that either Tejal Hasabnis – named as a standby – or Shafali would be drafted into the squad.

The Hindu understands that the newly appointed selection panel, chaired by Amita Sharma, decided to go with Shafali in consultation with the team management. The selectors were keen to inject aggression at the top of the order against a strong Australian attack.

Shafali’s omission from the original squad by the previous Neetu David-led committee had raised eyebrows before the tournament, and her recall now marks a significant turnaround. Shafali, who was in Surat to represent Haryana in the Women’s T20 Trophy, joined the squad on Monday (October 27, 2025).

Pratika’s injury has come as a huge blow to India’s campaign. The opener has been one of the side’s standout performers, amassing 308 runs in six innings, making her the second-highest run-getter in the competition. Her flourishing partnership with Smriti Mandhana played a vital role in India’s march to the semifinals.

The injury occurred in the 21st over of Bangladesh’s curtailed innings when Pratika slipped on the wet outfield while attempting to save a second run. She appeared to have twisted her ankle and hurt her knee. Although a stretcher was brought onto the field, she managed to limp off with the support of her teammates.

The recent Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 games at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo have offered little in results but much in missed opportunities.

For Pakistan, that sums up the campaign so far — narrow margins against major rivals, rain-curtailed chances, and a team still struggling for cohesion.

The batting unit, which carried so much confidence from a successful Qualifier run, lost its way. This imbalance within the squad has left the bowling efforts — often spirited and effective — underappreciated.

Skipper Fatima Sana, Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker, knows that if her team is to keep its faint knockout hopes alive, the upcoming match against South Africa on Tuesday will be decisive.

The 23-year-old, already burdened with the challenge of lifting her side’s morale after a second consecutive washout, now faces the task of weathering the Protean storm, which has blown away every opponent since its opening-match setback.

Already assured of a semifinal berth, Laura Wolvaardt and Co. will aim to extend their four-game unbeaten run. Having dominated the 20-over clash against Sri Lanka earlier, South Africa will be eager to finish the Colombo leg on a winning note.

The prolific opening pair of Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits cruised through the high-stakes chase against the host and seem to have rediscovered their rhythm. They’ll aim to carry that momentum forward and give the match-winning middle order a strong platform.

A sense of familiarity will loom large as South Africa and Pakistan had locked in a closely contested three-match ODI series ahead of the World Cup. The Proteas were denied a clean sweep by a spirited Pakistan fightback in a low-scoring affair, orchestrated by Nashra Sandhu’s six-wicket haul.

The series also marked the peak of Sidra Amin’s form. The right-handed batter, Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in the tournament so far (125), piled up 293 runs across three innings, including back-to-back centuries and a fifty. South Africa’s Brits also shone, racking up 272 runs in just two matches, highlighted by consecutive hundreds and her career-best ODI score of 171 not out.

However, to capitalise on their confident run, both teams will be hoping for the relentless monsoon rains to stay away. The forecast, unfortunately, is far from promising, with showers predicted throughout. Another abandoned match may not significantly affect South Africa’s campaign, but for Pakistan, it will be a crushing blow.

England held their nerves to edge past India by four runs and book a place in the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup in Indore on Sunday (October 19, 2025).

Electing to bat, England rode on skipper Heather Knight’s classy 109 off 91 balls (15×4, 1×6) — in her 300th international appearance — to post 288 for 8. Amy Jones contributed a solid 56 (68b, 8×4).

England were cruising at 249 for 3 in the 45th over before India’s bowlers, led by off-spinner Deepti Sharma (4/51) and debutant Shree Charani (2/68), triggered a collapse that saw them lose five wickets in the final five overs.

In reply, India mounted a strong chase through Smriti Mandhana (88), Harmanpreet Kaur (70) and Deepti Sharma (50), but fell agonisingly short at 284 for 6 in their 50 overs.

The result gave England their spot in the semifinals alongside Australia and South Africa, while India, having suffered their third straight defeat following losses to South Africa and Australia, are now in a do-or-die situation.

India will next face New Zealand in Navi Mumbai on Thursday (October 23, 2025).