Sri Lanka Women are set to face Australia in the 5th match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 in Colombo. Their major challenge will be to fix their batting and fielding against the defending champions.

In their opening game, Sri Lanka bowled well against India. However, they wasted chances with poor fielding and soft dismissals. Although nine batters reached double figures, none managed to play a big innings. As a result, they folded for 211 in 45.4 overs.

Athapaththu’s team under pressure

Therefore, skipper Chamari Athapaththu faces a stern test. Her side lost to India by 59 runs under the DLS method. While chasing 270, their batting lineup fell apart. Consequently, Sri Lanka slipped to sixth place in the points table with a net run rate of –1.255.

Now, Athapaththu’s team must use home conditions to their advantage. For that, they need sharper fielding and stronger batting if they want to challenge the champions.

Australia begin with authority

Meanwhile, Australia started their campaign with a dominant win. They crushed New Zealand by 89 runs in Indore. As a result, they earned two valuable points and boosted their net run rate to +1.780.

Their batting once again highlighted its depth. At one stage, they were 128 for 5. Yet, Ashleigh Gardner’s counter-attacking 115 and Kim Garth’s lower-order fightback lifted them to 326.

Furthermore, their top order looks powerful with Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, and Phoebe Litchfield. Together, they allow Australia to bat with freedom and aggression.

Balanced attack adds strength

In addition, Australia’s bowlers showed their class. Annabel Sutherland grabbed three wickets in a single over to turn the game.

Moreover, spinners Alana King and Sophie Molineux can squeeze opponents in the middle overs. Alongside them, experienced pacers Megan Schutt, Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, and Darcie Brown bring variety and balance.

Pitch report

The R. Premadasa Stadium generally favors batters. Even so, pacers may get some help early in the innings. Later, spinners are expected to dominate as the pitch slows down.

Weather report

As for the weather, Colombo may see isolated thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon. The temperature will reach around 29°C, while humidity will stay at 75 percent. Winds are likely to blow at 14 km/h.

Squads

Australia Women: Alyssa Healy (c, wk), 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.

Sri Lanka Women: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Wathsala, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodani, Malki Madara, Achini Kulasuriya.