Colombo, Sri Lanka: In a commanding display at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium, Australia’s women’s cricket team thumped Pakistan by 107 runs in the ninth match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup on October 8, 2025. Beth Mooney’s masterful 109 and Alana King’s maiden half-century powered the defending champions to a match-defining 221, while Pakistan crumbled to 114, marking their third straight loss. As Pakistan braces for a daunting clash with England on October 15, let’s break down how Australia’s grit, a record-breaking partnership, and a ruthless bowling attack sealed this rout—and what it means for both teams in the tournament.
Mooney and King’s Heroics:
Sent in to bat under overcast Colombo skies, Australia faced early turbulence. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Nashra Sundhu’s probing spin, had the champions reeling at 115 for eight by the 34th over. Diana Baig’s dismissal of Kim Garth (11 off 47) seemed to signal a collapse, with only 76 runs on the board for seven wickets. Enter Beth Mooney and Alana King, who flipped the script with a stunning 106-run ninth-wicket stand—the highest for that wicket in Women’s World Cup history.
Mooney, the left-handed linchpin, anchored the innings with a 114-ball 109, laced with 11 fours, showcasing her trademark blend of patience and precision. King, batting at No. 10, turned heads with an unbeaten 51 off 49 balls, smashing three fours and three sixes in her first-ever fifty. Their partnership didn’t just salvage Australia—it set a daunting 221-9 in 50 overs, a total that proved insurmountable.
Pakistan’s bowling unit showed fight. Nashra Sundhu’s 3 for 37, including key scalps, kept Australia under pressure, while captain Fatima Sana (2-49) and Rameen Shamim (2-29) chipped in with disciplined spells. Yet, failing to close out the tail cost them dearly, as Mooney and King’s late surge shifted momentum decisively.
Pakistan’s Batting Woes:
Chasing 222, Pakistan’s batters needed a miracle against Australia’s world-class attack. It never came. Sidra Amin’s 35 off 52 balls, studded with five fours, was the lone bright spot in a lineup that folded for 114 in 36.3 overs. Australia’s bowlers, led by Kim Garth’s fiery 3 for 14, suffocated Pakistan’s top order, with Annabel Sutherland (2-15) and Megan Schutt (2-25) ensuring no partnerships took root.
Pakistan’s struggles reflect deeper issues: This third consecutive defeat—following losses to South Africa and New Zealand—exposes a batting unit unable to counter elite bowling. With England, a title contender, looming next, Pakistan faces a steep climb to avoid a winless campaign.
Key Moments:
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Mooney’s Masterclass: Her 109 was a lesson in composure, steering Australia from 76-7 to a competitive total.
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King’s Breakthrough: The No. 10’s 51* wasn’t just a personal milestone—it broke Pakistan’s spirit.
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Garth’s Double Duty: Three wickets and a steady hand with the bat made her a quiet MVP.
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Pakistan’s Powerplay Plight: Losing early wickets to Garth and Sutherland killed any chase hopes.
Australia’s Dominance, Pakistan’s Desperation
For Australia, the win solidifies their status as favorites to retain the title. Mooney, named Player of the Match, now averages a staggering 67.50 in the tournament, while King’s emergence adds depth to an already formidable squad. Their ability to rally from 115-8 underscores why they’re unbeaten, with a semi-final berth all but secured.
Pakistan, meanwhile, is staring down a crisis. Three losses in three games leave them teetering on elimination, with their net run rate plummeting to -1.89. The October 15 clash with England at R Premadasa is do-or-die—lose, and their World Cup dreams are dust. Captain Fatima Sana, despite her bowling heroics, must ignite a batting revival, with Sidra Amin’s form offering a flicker of hope.
|
Team |
Score |
Key Performer |
Bowling Standout |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Australia |
221-9 (50 overs) |
Beth Mooney (109) |
Kim Garth (3-14) |
|
Pakistan |
114 all out (36.3 overs) |
Sidra Amin (35) |
Nashra Sundhu (3-37) |
World Cup Dynamics Shift
Australia’s depth—turning a near-collapse into a 107-run thrashing—sends a warning to rivals like England and India. Their knack for partnerships under pressure (this was their second 100+ stand in the tournament) makes them near-unstoppable. For Pakistan, the loss compounds a grim 2025: Recent T20 series defeats to Australia and South Africa exposed similar frailties. A morale-boosting upset against England could salvage pride, but their batting must fire.
As the Women’s World Cup heats up in Colombo, Australia’s machine rolls on, while Pakistan scrambles for a lifeline. Can Sana’s side defy the odds, or will the champions keep crushing? Stay tuned.
