The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 produced yet another gripping encounter as Australia Women overcame early adversity to secure a commanding 107-run victory over Pakistan Women at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on October 8, 2025. This result not only extended Australia’s remarkable unbeaten streak against Pakistan in ODIs to 17 matches but also propelled them to the top of the tournament points table, reinforcing their reputation as a dominant force in women’s cricket.
Coming into Match No. 9, the stakes were clear. Australia had started their campaign with a win over New Zealand, while their second match against Sri Lanka was abandoned due to rain. Pakistan, on the other hand, were desperate for a turnaround after suffering back-to-back defeats to Bangladesh and India, languishing in eighth position before this contest. The historical head-to-head record was daunting for Pakistan: Australia had emerged victorious in all 16 previous ODI encounters between the two sides, and the pressure was on to break the jinx.
Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that seemed inspired as her spinners wreaked havoc on the Australian top order. Nashra Sandhu, in particular, was a standout, claiming 3 wickets for just 37 runs. By the 22nd over, Australia found themselves in dire trouble at 76 for 7, with the likes of Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry back in the pavilion and Pakistan’s fielders buzzing with energy. The prospect of Australia collapsing for under 150 loomed large. Was this finally Pakistan’s moment to turn the tide?
But cricket, with all its twists and turns, had another story to tell. Beth Mooney, renowned for her composure under pressure, took center stage. Displaying a masterclass in calculated aggression and patience, Mooney anchored the innings. She found a resolute partner in tailender Alana King, and together, they scripted a record-breaking ninth-wicket stand. Their partnership, worth 106 runs, not only rescued Australia from the brink but also deflated Pakistan’s hopes of a quick finish. Mooney’s 109 from 114 deliveries marked her fifth ODI century and, notably, her first in a World Cup—a milestone that couldn’t have come at a more crucial juncture. King, for her part, remained unbeaten on 51 off 49 balls, registering her maiden ODI fifty.
Reflecting on her performance, Mooney said, “I would rate the win pretty high. We were in a tough situation when I was batting toward the end of the first inning. The bowlers of the opposition bowled really well to swing the ball. I really appreciate the way Alana King supported me in my inning.” According to the NDTV Sports Desk, Mooney’s partnership with King “set up a crushing 107-run win over Pakistan.”
Australia eventually posted a competitive total of 221 for 9, a score that looked improbable just an hour earlier. The momentum had shifted, and the defending champions sensed an opportunity to tighten the screws on Pakistan’s faltering campaign.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a shaky start, with Australia’s pace trio of Kim Garth, Megan Schutt, and Annabel Sutherland exploiting the conditions expertly. Garth, in particular, was lethal, finishing with figures of 3 for 14. Sutherland and Schutt chipped in with 2 wickets apiece, ensuring that Pakistan’s batters never found their footing. The only bright spot for Pakistan was a brief period of resistance from Sidra Amin, who tried to anchor the innings, but her dismissal in the 22nd over signaled the beginning of the end.
Pakistan’s middle order crumbled under relentless pressure. Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu attempted to stem the tide with a series of dot balls, but the scoreboard pressure proved insurmountable. The innings folded for 114 in just 36.3 overs, leaving Pakistan well short of the target and reflecting the gulf in class between the two sides on the day.
Fatima Sana, Pakistan’s skipper, acknowledged the team’s shortcomings: “We were good for the first 20 overs but failed to get the wicket of Beth Mooney later on. We needed to keep the same energy till the end but we failed on that. Our bowlers were good, but we need to work on our batting and build long partnerships.” Her candor highlighted the recurring challenge for Pakistan—stringing together meaningful stands under pressure.
Australia’s captain Alyssa Healy was delighted with the team’s resilience, but not without reservations. “I am happy to get the two points. After the fall of wickets, I set the mentality to defend the score, whether it’s 150 or 160, but I am grateful that Beth Mooney scored a magnificent century. It’s good that everybody is contributing to the team, but I am a bit concerned that we are creating partnerships lower down the order,” she remarked. Healy also noted the need for her batters to adapt more quickly to spin-friendly conditions, a sentiment echoed by many analysts after the match.
The victory was significant not just for the two points but also for the psychological boost it provided. Australia’s ability to recover from a precarious position and dominate with both bat and ball sent a clear message to their rivals. Their move to the top of the table was a testament to their depth and adaptability, qualities that have defined their sustained success in global tournaments.
For Pakistan, the defeat extended a frustrating run of form. Their bowlers, led by Sandhu, showed promise, but the batting unit’s inability to build partnerships remains a glaring weakness. The team’s challenge now is to regroup quickly, address their batting frailties, and restore confidence ahead of their next outing.
The match was broadcast live on Star Sports Network in India, with streaming available on JioHotStar. Fans in the United States and Canada tuned in via Willow TV and ESPN, while viewers in the UK followed the action on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event. The global reach of the Women’s World Cup continues to grow, with every contest drawing new fans and heightened attention to the women’s game.
As the dust settles on this dramatic clash, all eyes now turn to the next match in the tournament, with India Women set to face South Africa Women on October 9, 2025. For Australia, the challenge will be to maintain their momentum and address the concerns highlighted by their captain. For Pakistan, it’s back to the drawing board—can they find the answers before their campaign slips further away?
One thing’s for sure: with performances like Beth Mooney’s and the ever-present unpredictability of World Cup cricket, fans are in for plenty more thrills as the tournament unfolds.
