Australia Women crushed Pakistan by 107 runs in the 9th match of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in Colombo. Beth Mooney produced a brilliant maiden World Cup century, while a blazing half-century from Alana King rescued Australia from a collapse and guided them to a strong total of 221/9 in 50 overs.

Nashra Sandhu (3/37 in 10 overs) led Pakistan’s bowling attack effectively. Rameen Shamim (2/29 in 10 overs) and Fatima Sana (2/49 in 10 overs) also played key roles by providing early breakthroughs for Pakistan.

While chasing, Pakistan Women struggled in similar fashion, losing wickets at regular intervals. They managed to score only 114 runs in 36.3 overs, falling short by a big margin. Kim Garth (3/14 in 6 overs) and Annabel Sutherland (2/15 in 8.3 overs) wreaked havoc on the Pakistani batting lineup. Sidra Ameen remained the top scorer for Pakistan.

Mooney’s Calm Under Pressure

Australia were in deep trouble at 76 for 7 when Mooney showed remarkable composure on a slow, turning pitch in Colombo. She played with patience and precision, scoring 100 runs that completely changed the course of the match. Mooney struck 11 fours and cleverly rotated the strike, running 44 singles, nine twos, and one three.

She shared a 106-run stand with Alana King, who scored an unbeaten 51 — the highest ever by a batter at No. 10 or lower in women’s ODIs. Their partnership helped Australia recover from an early collapse and post a competitive total.

Pakistan’s Missed Chance

Pakistan had a golden opportunity to bowl Australia out cheaply. Their spinners, led by Nashra Sandhu, took six wickets for 98 runs in 30 overs. Sandhu dismissed key players including Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland and became Pakistan’s highest wicket-taker in ODI World Cups, surpassing Sana Mir. Offspinner Rameen Shamim also took important wickets as Australia stumbled early.

However, Pakistan could not finish the job. Fatima Sana, who had chosen to bowl first, used her spinners effectively, but a lack of bowling options later hurt her side. Once Mooney and King settled in, Pakistan’s attack faded. Diana Baig was hit for 74 runs in 10 overs, and Australia’s final 10 overs yielded 81 runs, including 53 in the last four overs.

Australia’s Lower Order Shines

Mooney’s review on 85 proved vital when replays showed the ball missing leg stump. She reached her century with a single off Sana and allowed King to attack late. King smashed back-to-back sixes off Sana to reach her fifty. Australia’s strong finish left Pakistan frustrated and demoralised.

Pakistan Collapse in Chase

Chasing 222, Pakistan’s batting fell apart quickly. Seamers Megan Schutt and Kim Garth exposed the top order, reducing Pakistan to 31 for 5. Sadaf Shams, Muneeba Ali, and Sidra Nawaz all fell cheaply. Fatima Sana and Sidra Amin tried to steady the innings, but the Australian bowlers were relentless.

Sutherland dismissed Sidra Amin at long-on, ending Pakistan’s last real resistance. Shamim and Sandhu delayed the inevitable with a 25-run stand, but Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 114 in 36.3 overs.

With this win, Australia continued their unbeaten streak in the tournament. Mooney’s masterclass and King’s grit stood out on a day when Pakistan let their best chance for an upset slip away.

Brief Scorecard