Australia’s nearly perfect start to the campaign makes them strong favourites against a Pakistan side still seeking stability when the two mismatched teams face off in an ICC Women’s World Cup match in Colombo
on Wednesday.
Australia’s exceptional form contrasts sharply with the performances of other teams in the global event, with the Alyssa Healy-led side being the only one to score a 300-plus total so far.
Another high score seems probable against a weak Pakistan side that has appeared clueless against Bangladesh and India in their previous matches.
Australia’s massive 89-run win over their Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand, after setting a 300-plus total, demonstrated the determination of the Southern Stars as defending champions aiming for a record-extending eighth World Cup title.
Even though key players like opener Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, and Annabel Sutherland have faltered, Ashleigh Gardner’s match-winning century against New Zealand in Indore turned it into a one-sided contest.
Supported by the pace of Annabel Sutherland and the spin of Sophie Molineux, who has adapted well to the slow sub-continent wickets, Australia will use the match against Pakistan to refine their strategy before facing tougher teams like England, India, and South Africa in the competition.
Their three-match ODI series against India has prepared them well for the subcontinental conditions, and it’s unlikely that Pakistan, who have lost to Bangladesh and India and are currently placed last in the eight-team tournament, will pose a significant challenge.
Australia’s abandoned match against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday was a disappointment, as it deprived them of the opportunity to earn two points and top the charts.
However, rested and refreshed, Australia would look to capitalize against Fatima Sana’s Pakistan, who have lacked cohesion and have been deficient in all departments of the game in their matches against Bangladesh (lost by 7 wickets) and India (lost by 88 runs).
Pakistan’s lack of depth in batting and the absence of quality middle-order batters have resulted in only two 100-plus scores so far in the tournament, with key players like Sidra Amin, Fatima Sana, and Muneeba Ali struggling.
Their bowling, led by skipper Sana and Diana Baig, also struggled for line and length against Bangladesh, conceding 18 runs in extras, though they showed improvement against arch-rivals India, with Baig taking four wickets.
Despite Sidra Amin’s half-century, the batters again delivered a below-par performance, leading to their second successive loss.
It’s unlikely that Pakistan’s familiarity with the conditions—having played both their World Cup matches at the Premadasa Stadium—will be a significant factor against Australia’s balance and experience.
AUS Vs PAK Full Squads
Australia: Alyssa Healy (C), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.
Pakistan: Fatima Sana (C), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah.
