Powerhouse Australia face struggling Pakistan in Colombo

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

Australia, coming off a washout, will look to hit their stride again against a Pakistan unit desperate to turn their campaign around © Getty

As tempting as it may be to assume, the result of no cricket match is a foregone conclusion - even when Australia play. There's undeniably an inevitability to it, that's just how good Australia are, but even the greatest giants have been taken down before. That's what Pakistan will have to believe when they take on the mighty Aussies in their third World Cup game.

On the surface, Australia might seem unbeatable. A line-up of real superstars, unmatched experience, a batting order that never seems to end and a fearsome bowling attack - overwhelming indeed, particularly for a side like Pakistan that are still trying to find their feet in this tournament. Look closer, however, and Australia might not be as invincible as they seem.

While an Ash Gardner special rescued them after a batting collapse in their opening fixture against New Zealand, it was their third in the recent past, including one against India in the series prior and another against England during the warmups. If Australia do have such a thing as an Achilles' heel, it might be a batting unit that's a little short of confidence.

Pakistan, though, are no different. They're languishing at the bottom of the table after two heavy defeats. First, they were shocked by Bangladesh as Marufa Akter and the spinners ran through their order. Then, they suffered a familiar, crippling dissection at the hands of India. While the bowling unit, led by Fatima Sana and Diana Baig, has impressed, the batters have not held up their end of the bargain.

If Australia turn up at their best and Pakistan don't, this could end up being one of the most lopsided contests of the tournament.

When: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 3:00 PM IST

Where: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

What to Expect: While the surfaces at Colombo have been low and slow, the quicker bowlers have enjoyed some assistance with the new ball. The average first innings score here has been 256 in 9 ODIs since 2023.

Head to head: Pakistan have never beaten Australia in ODIs. The record stands 16-0 overall and 5-0 in World Cups.

Team news

Australia: The Alyssa Healy-led side may consider playing an additional spinner at Colombo.

Probable XI: Alyssa Healy(w/c), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Kim Garth/Georgia Wareham, Darcie Brown

Pakistan: Although they have lost both their games, Fatima Sana's team are likely refrain from making changes.

Probable XI: Muneeba Ali, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana(c), Sidra Nawaz(w), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal

What they said

"As a team, we have to focus on ourselves. We know they're a good side, but we can't give them too many loose balls. Everyone knows our team is strong in bowling, and our spinners and attacking bowlers could cause problems for two or three of their batters - so that might help us in this game." - Sidra Amin.

"With the washout the other day, it feels like a long time between matches now. So, everyone's really looking forward to the opportunity to get back out there." - Ellyse Perry.

© Cricbuzz

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