Shafali Verma believes her unexpected call-up to India’s World Cup squad for the semifinal against Australia was destined by fate. The explosive opener, who wasn’t even part of the official reserves, was drafted in as Pratika Rawal’s replacement after the young all-rounder suffered a hairline ankle fracture during India’s final group-stage match against Bangladesh.

“What happened with Pratika, as a sportsperson, 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 said ahead of the marquee clash.

Until the call came, Shafali was captaining Haryana in the National Women’s T20 in Surat, where she had just smashed a 24-ball 55 in her last outing. She had also been in good form for India A on their recent tour o

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