Cricket fans around the world were all set for a high-voltage clash as Sri Lanka Women were scheduled to take on Australia Women in the fifth match of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. The game, slated for October 4th at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, was expected to showcase a battle between two teams with contrasting fortunes in their opening fixtures. Yet, as anticipation reached a fever pitch, an unexpected twist brought the contest to a sudden halt: the match was officially cancelled, catching fans and players off guard.
Australia, the six-time World Cup champions and perennial favorites, had opened their tournament campaign with a bang. On October 1st, they dismantled New Zealand by 89 runs in Indore, thanks to a breathtaking 115 from Ashleigh Gardner off just 83 balls. Gardner’s innings, laced with powerful strokes and clever placement, rescued the Aussies from a precarious 128/5, with Phoebe Litchfield (45 off 31) and Kim Garth (38 off 37) providing crucial support. The bowlers took over from there, with Sophie Molineux (3/25), Annabel Sutherland (3/26), and Alana King (2/44) sharing the spoils to ensure a comprehensive victory.
In stark contrast, Sri Lanka’s tournament began on a more somber note. Facing hosts India on September 30th in Guwahati, the Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Inoka Ranaweera’s brilliant 4/46, had India reeling at 124/6. But the Indian lower order rallied, pushing the total to 271 (DLS from 47 overs). In reply, Sri Lanka’s top order showed flashes of resistance—Chamari Athapaththu struck a fluent 43 off 47, while Nilakshi de Silva chipped in with 35 off 29—but a lack of partnerships saw them bowled out for 211, falling short by 59 runs.
Historically, the Australia-Sri Lanka rivalry in women’s ODIs has been one-sided. Australia have won all 11 previous encounters, including a 3-0 sweep in their last series meeting back in 2019. Sri Lanka, led by the dynamic Chamari Athapaththu, entered the match with hopes of rewriting history and notching their first win against the Aussies. But fate had other ideas.
As per the official schedule, the match was to begin at 3:00 PM IST (09:30 GMT). Fans in India could tune in live on Star Sports Network or stream the game via Jio Hotstar, while global audiences had a range of options: Prime Video in Australia, Nagorik TV & T Sports in Bangladesh, PTV Sports and Ten Sports in Pakistan, ESPN Caribbean, Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, Willow TV in North America, and SuperSport across sub-Saharan Africa, among others. The ICC had left no stone unturned to ensure cricket lovers worldwide could catch every moment of the World Cup action.
But as the clock ticked towards the scheduled start, updates filtered in that the match had been cancelled. No ball was bowled, and both teams were left to ponder their next moves in this tightly packed tournament. The cancellation was confirmed by live cricket portals, including Cricket World, which posted: "The match was cancelled as per the live update on October 4, 2025." The reasons for the cancellation were not immediately disclosed in the available reports, leaving fans speculating whether weather, ground conditions, or unforeseen circumstances played a part.
For Sri Lanka, this no-result was a missed opportunity to bounce back after their opening defeat. Their squad, featuring stalwarts like Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, and the experienced Inoka Ranaweera, had been eager to test themselves against the world’s best. With fixtures against England, New Zealand, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Pakistan still to come, every point counts in their quest for a semifinal berth.
Australia, captained by Alyssa Healy and boasting a star-studded lineup including Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Megan Schutt, and Annabel Sutherland, will now have to recalibrate their plans. Their momentum, built on the back of Gardner’s heroics and a powerful bowling display, faces a brief interruption. But if history is any indicator, the Aussies are rarely fazed by such setbacks. Their next match, scheduled against Pakistan on October 8th in Colombo, offers a fresh chance to extend their unbeaten run and solidify their position atop the standings.
The World Cup schedule remains relentless. Sri Lanka will regroup before facing England on October 11th, hoping to iron out the batting inconsistencies that hampered them against India. Australia, meanwhile, will look to keep their title defense on track, with their eyes firmly set on the knockout stages. Both teams will be watching the weather and ground conditions closely, eager to avoid further disruptions.
While cricket can be unpredictable on the field, sometimes it’s the off-field surprises that steal the headlines. Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, a venue rich in history and drama, found itself at the center of attention for reasons beyond runs and wickets. Just a day earlier, members of the Indian women’s team had a close encounter with a non-venomous rat snake during their training session at the same ground—a reminder that nature, too, can play its part in the grand theater of sport.
As the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 rolls on, the cancelled fixture between Sri Lanka and Australia serves as a quirky footnote in a tournament otherwise brimming with action. Fans will be hoping for clear skies and uninterrupted play in the days ahead, as the world’s best vie for cricket’s most coveted prize. For now, both teams must look forward, their ambitions undimmed, as they chase World Cup glory in the matches to come.
