When Australia Women posted a total of 221/9 at Khettarama Stadium on October 8, 2025, the echo of Beth Mooney’s century already rang in the pavilion.
The match was the ninth One Day International of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025Colombo, and the Australian side, officially the Australian Women's Cricket Team, crushed the Pakistan Women for 114, a 107‑run margin that left the Pakistani camp reeling.
Match Overview
Australia chose to bat first, a decision that paid off handsomely. Opener Beth Mooney smashed 109 runs off 118 balls, anchoring the innings with a blend of calculated aggression and deft placement. Supporting her, Alana King contributed a quickfire 51 not out, pushing the total past the 220 mark.
Pakistani bowlers, led by spinner Nashra Sandhu who returned figures of 3‑37, struggled to contain the Aussie onslaught. The pitch, described by local commentators as "holding just enough bounce to tempt the batsmen but also offering some lateral movement", ultimately favoured the side with more depth in its batting order.
Key Performances
Mooney’s knock was a masterclass in pacing a chase. She started cautiously, rotating the strike before unleashing a series of lofted drives that pierced the gaps between mid‑wicket and long‑on. "I knew the conditions would be a bit tricky, but once I got settled, the runs just flowed," she told reporters in the post‑match interview.
On the bowling front, Annabel Sutherland and Georgia Wareham made the difference. Sutherland mixed back‑of‑a‑length deliveries with a sharp off‑cutter that induced two edges, while Wareham kept a tight line outside off, forcing the Pakistani batters into defensive strokes.
For Pakistan, Sidra Amin was the lone bright spot, top‑scoring with 35 runs before being caught at mid‑wicket. Her effort, however, was not enough to stem the tide that saw Pakistan tumble to 114 all out.
Tactical Breakdown
The turning point arrived after the 28th‑over drinks break. Pakistan needed 115 runs with eight wickets down, a situation that looked bleak but still offered a sliver of hope. Captain Rameen Shamim tried to steady the ship with patient singles and doubles, yet the Australian bowlers kept the pressure relentless.
Sutherland’s short ball outside off repeatedly forced the Pakistani batters onto the back foot, while Wareham’s disciplined line made the half‑volley a risky proposition. "We tried to get forward and use the pace, but the bounce was just enough to make us miss," said Sandhu, visibly frustrated during the innings.
With the wickets falling at regular intervals, the required run‑rate surged past 8 runs per over, a target that proved unattainable given the quality of the Australian attack.
Historical Context
Pakistan has never beaten Australia in women's international cricket. Their narrowest defeats – a 37‑run loss and a four‑wicket loss – both occurred back in 2014. The 2023 series saw Australia dominate with an eight‑wicket win, a ten‑wicket demolition, and a 101‑run thrashing.
Australia, meanwhile, entered the 2025 World Cup on a high, having won 27 of their last 32 ODIs. Their campaign began with a solid win over New Zealand and a washout against the hosts Sri Lanka. The 107‑run victory over Pakistan now ranks among their largest margins against the sub‑continent side, widening the historical gulf between the two teams.
Implications for the Tournament
With this win, Australia solidifies its position near the top of Group A, likely securing a spot in the Super Six stage. The team’s batting depth and versatile bowling unit send a clear message to rivals: they are the ones to beat.
Pakistan, on the other hand, finds itself in a precarious spot. After losses to Bangladesh and India, the team now faces an uphill battle to stay alive in the competition. Their net run‑rate has plunged, and with only two matches left in the group phase, advancing will require a miracle – perhaps a win against a higher‑ranked side combined with a massive collapse elsewhere.
Looking Ahead
Australia’s next fixture pits them against the unbeaten New Zealand Women on October 12. If they can replicate the current form, a semi‑final berth looks inevitable.
Pakistan must regroup quickly. Coach Mohammad Yousuf hinted at a tactical overhaul, focusing on middle‑order stability and tighter field placements. The upcoming match against the host nation Sri Lanka could be a lifeline – a win there would at least keep qualification hopes alive.
Key Facts
- Venue: Khettarama Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Australia Women: 221/9 (50 overs)
- Pakistan Women: 114 all out (38.2 overs)
- Top scorer: Beth Mooney – 109 runs
- Best bowler for Pakistan: Nashra Sandhu – 3/37
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Pakistan Women's chances of advancing?
The loss leaves Pakistan with a negative net run‑rate and only two group matches remaining. To stay in contention, they must win both and hope a rival suffers a heavy defeat, a scenario that looks increasingly unlikely.
What were the decisive factors behind Australia's dominance?
A combination of Mooney’s century, King’s rapid half‑century, and the incisive bowling of Sutherland and Wareham created pressure at every stage. Their ability to adapt to the bounce‑friendly wicket gave them a clear edge.
Who are the standout players to watch in the upcoming matches?
For Australia, keep an eye on Mooney’s form and the emerging pace of Sutherland. Pakistan will rely heavily on spinner Sandhu and the resilience of middle‑order batters like Sidra Amin to turn the tide.
What does this match tell us about the conditions at Khettarama Stadium?
The pitch offered a modest amount of bounce and lateral movement, favouring bowlers who can vary length. Teams with a strong top order, like Australia, can still post big scores, but any wobble in the batting line‑up can be quickly punished.
When is Australia’s next World Cup match and who are they facing?
Australia will play New Zealand Women on October 12, 2025, at the same Colombo venue. That clash will likely decide which side tops the group.
