Shafali Verma’s ODI Return Ends in Heartbreaking Loss to Australia
Shafali Verma’s return to One-Day Internationals (ODI) ended in disappointment during India’s semi-final against Australia on October 30, 2025. The match was held at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, where India faced a challenging target of 339 runs.
Disappointing Semi-Final Performance
In her first ODI since being left out of the initial World Cup squad, Shafali scored only 10 runs off five balls. She was dismissed by Kim Garth in the second over. This early exit was a major blow to India’s chances against Australia.
Background on Shafali Verma’s Selection
- Shafali was not part of the original World Cup team.
- She received her chance only after Pratika Rawal was injured.
- Shafali had previously shown promise by scoring a century in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy.
Despite her strong domestic performance, Shafali struggled to make an impact in this crucial match. India lost an early wicket in what was poised to be the highest successful chase in Women’s ODI history.
Match Highlights
Shafali began her innings by scoring a single off Megan Schutt and soon hit a boundary. However, her promising start was cut short when Garth’s next delivery found her leg before wicket. Although Shafali challenged the umpire’s decision, the review confirmed that the ball was hitting the stumps. This incident not only resulted in her dismissal but also cost India a crucial review.
Shafali’s ODI Record
Since making her ODI debut at the age of 15 in 2019, her performance has been inconsistent. Shafali’s record against Australia stands at just 109 runs from six innings, averaging 18.16. With her recent struggles, questions remain regarding her future in the ODI setup after the World Cup.
As India’s hopes faded in the semi-final, the cricketing community will be watching closely to see if Shafali Verma can reclaim her spot in the national team moving forward.
