Australia Look to Maintain Dominance Over Pakistan in Crucial Women’s ODI World Cup Clash

Australia Look to Maintain Dominance Over Pakistan in Crucial Women’s ODI World Cup Clash

As the Women's ODI World Cup rolls on in Colombo, Pakistan face a do-or-die clash against a familiar and formidable foe: Australia. Historically outmatched, Pakistan have never defeated the Australians in women’s internationals – and unless that changes on Wednesday, their tournament campaign could soon hit a dead end.

Having already slumped to back-to-back defeats against Bangladesh and India, Pakistan are in urgent need of a turnaround. But standing in their way is a team that has beaten them 16 times in as many ODIs – often with ease. The last series between the two sides, in 2023, saw Australia cruise to victory by margins of eight wickets, 10 wickets, and 101 runs.

Australia, meanwhile, remain one of the most dominant sides in women’s cricket. Since the 2022 World Cup, they've won 27 of their 32 ODIs, losing just four. In contrast, Pakistan have played 34 matches in that period and lost more than half of them.

Adding to Pakistan’s woes is the stark record between the two sides: the closest Pakistan has come to beating Australia in ODIs was over a decade ago, losing by 37 runs and four wickets in 2014.

Conditions Could Be a Leveller

Despite Australia’s overwhelming advantage, conditions in Colombo might offer Pakistan a sliver of hope. The pitch at the R Premadasa Stadium has proven to be a tough one for free-flowing batting, and rain has been a persistent presence in the region. However, Wednesday’s forecast looks more promising.

Australia haven’t played at this venue yet in the tournament, and their last match – against Sri Lanka – was washed out. Pakistan, on the other hand, have already played here twice and could use their familiarity with the surface to their advantage.

“We do have an edge but it all depends on what the team does with this advantage,” said Pakistani batter Sidra Amin. “We were unlucky to have our warm-up game against Sri Lanka washed out, but we've also played two games here and know the conditions very well.”

Key Players: Nashra Sandhu and Beth Mooney in the Spotlight

Pakistan’s hopes will rest heavily on left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu, who has been the team’s most reliable wicket-taker since the 2022 World Cup. With 42 wickets in 28 matches, including a recent six-for against South Africa, Sandhu's form will be crucial – especially on a pitch that supports spin. However, inconsistency has crept in lately, with three wicketless outings in her last five matches.

For Australia, Beth Mooney has a particularly impressive record against Pakistan. In eight ODI innings, she’s scored 279 runs at an average of 69.75, and her current form includes a century and two fifties in her last five games. Megan Schutt, who has taken 10 wickets in nine ODIs against Pakistan, could also be in line for a return to the XI after being left out in their last outing.

Team News and Probable XIs

Australia may face a selection conundrum around their bowling attack. With Darcie Brown impressing in their opening game, Megan Schutt’s return is uncertain.

Australia (probable XI):
Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Kim Garth, Darcie Brown

Pakistan, meanwhile, may consider restoring Omaima Sohail to the top of the order after struggles from both openers.

Pakistan (probable XI):
Muneeba Ali, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (capt), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal

Stats and Trivia

  • Australia are 16-0 against Pakistan in women's ODIs.

  • Only against Ireland (17-0) do Australia have a better ODI record.

  • Annabel Sutherland is four wickets away from her 50th WODI scalp.

  • Australia have won their last 10 completed Women’s World Cup matches.

  • This will be their first ODI in Colombo since 2016.

The Stakes

A loss for Pakistan would severely dent their hopes of progressing in the tournament, while a win for Australia would not only maintain their unbeaten record against Pakistan but also strengthen their hold at the top of the table.

With challenging batting conditions and high stakes for both teams, Wednesday’s encounter promises to be a test of skill, patience, and nerve.