ISLAMABAD: Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first against Australia at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday, as they look to revive their faltering campaign in the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Playing all their group matches on neutral turf in Sri Lanka, Pakistan have lost both their opening fixtures — by 88 runs to India and by seven wickets to Bangladesh — and now need a victory to stay in contention for the semifinals.
The team made one change, bringing in Eyman Fatima for Aliya Riaz, hoping to strengthen their middle order after inconsistent batting displays in the previous games.
“Pakistan Women win the toss and choose to bowl first against Australia at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on X, formerly Twitter.
Pakistan’s top order has struggled for form, though Sidra Ameen managed a half-century against India, scoring 81 off 106 balls with 10 boundaries, providing one of the few bright spots in an otherwise difficult start to the tournament.
Australia, seven-time champions, are aiming to maintain their unbeaten run after their previous fixture against Sri Lanka was washed out.
They made two changes, drafting in Georgia Wareham and Megan Schutt for Sophie Molineux and Darcie Brown.
Pakistan’s decision to field first reflects their plan to exploit early conditions and restrict Australia’s strong batting lineup led by Alyssa Healy and Ellyze Perry.
A defeat would all but end Pakistan’s hopes of progressing, while a win could revive their campaign heading into the final group fixtures.
