Colombo, October 8, 2025: Beth Mooney’s heroic century and Kim Garth’s brilliant three-wicket haul powered Australia to a commanding victory over Pakistan in the ninth fixture of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing 222, Pakistan were bundled out for just 114 runs in 36.3 overs, suffering their third consecutive defeat of the tournament and 17th overall ODI loss against Australia. The defending champions, meanwhile, climbed to the top of the points table with three wins.
Pakistan’s chase unraveled early as Sadaf Shamas (5) was dismissed in the second over, followed by Muneeba Ali (3), Sidra Nawaz (5), and Natalia Pervaiz (1). Youngster Eyman Fatima, playing her first match of the World Cup, fell for a duck attempting a rash shot, leaving Pakistan tottering at 31-5 in just 8.4 overs.
Despite a brief resistance, Australia’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Sidra Amin was the only Pakistani batter to offer some fight, scoring 35 off 52 balls with five boundaries. Kim Garth led the attack with 3-27, while Annabel Sutherland and Megan Schutt picked up two wickets apiece.
Earlier, after being put in to bat, Australia were rocked by early blows but recovered to post 221-9 in 50 overs, thanks to a sublime 109-run knock from Beth Mooney — her fifth ODI century.
Openers Alyssa Healy (20) and Phoebe Litchfield (10) added 30 before both departed in quick succession, sparking a middle-order collapse that left Australia reeling at 76-7 in 21.2 overs.
Pakistan’s spinners Nashra Sandhu and Rameen Shamim dominated the middle overs, sharing five wickets between them and maintaining tight economy rates.
However, Mooney found an able partner in Alana King, and together they forged a 106-run stand for the eighth wicket, rescuing Australia from a precarious position. King struck a brisk 51 off 49 balls, including three fours and as many sixes.
Mooney’s composed 109 off 114 deliveries, featuring 11 boundaries, proved to be the turning point as Australia reached a competitive total.
For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu was the standout bowler with 3-37 in 10 overs.
Australia’s all-round performance ensured they maintained their unbeaten streak in the tournament, while Pakistan will now face a must-win situation in their remaining group matches to stay in contention for the semifinals.
