Sri Lanka Women vs Australia Women – ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Match Preview

Date: Saturday, 4th October 2025
Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Time: 10:30 AM GMT | 03:30 PM IST | 09:30 AM BST

Match Overview

The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 will witness a high-stakes clash between Sri Lanka Women and Australia Women at the iconic R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This is a crucial encounter for both teams, with Australia seeking to maintain their dominance and Sri Lanka aiming to make a bold statement on home soil.

The match will take place under the watchful eyes of cricket fans worldwide, with the R Premadasa Stadium offering a competitive and neutral surface that could favor either batting or bowling depending on the conditions at the time of play.

Team Form and Analysis

Sri Lanka Women

Sri Lanka, captained by the experienced Chamari Athapaththu, will be buoyed by the home advantage. Athapaththu, who has already notched up 359 runs in 9 games against Australia, is a key figure in the side and will be expected to lead from the front both with the bat and the ball.

Harshitha Samarawickrama, the team's leading run-scorer this year (365 runs in 9 games at an average of 45.6), will be another vital asset. Her consistency has been a hallmark of the Sri Lankan innings.

With the ball, Inoka Ranaweera has emerged as a crucial spinner for the side, taking 8 wickets in 5 games with an economy of 5.19. She will be supported by Kavisha Dilhari and Athapaththu as the spin department looks to exploit any turn on offer.

Sri Lanka will be hoping to use home conditions to their advantage and put up a spirited performance against the heavily favored Australians.

Australia Women

Australia, the defending champions and arguably the most consistent side in women's cricket, will be the overwhelming favorites in this contest. Their star-studded lineup includes Beth Mooney, who has been in scintillating form, scoring 335 runs in 7 games at an average of 107. Mooney, along with Phoebe Litchfield, forms a formidable top-order that can set huge totals.

Ash Gardner has been in fine form with both bat and ball, contributing 317 runs at 63.4 and 7 wickets at 40.7. The spin attack, led by Sophie Molineux, has been a revelation, with her taking 26 wickets in 14 WODIs at an average of 13.7.

However, Australia has shown signs of vulnerability in the middle order under pressure, and Sri Lanka will look to exploit any lapses in concentration.

Key Players to Watch

Sri Lanka

• Chamari Athapaththu (Captain): The experienced leader who can single-handedly change the game with her all-round skills.
• Harshitha Samarawickrama: Sri Lanka’s premier run-scorer and a vital player in the middle order.
• Inoka Ranaweera: Left-arm spinner who can be lethal on turning tracks.

Australia

• Beth Mooney: The explosive opener who can single-handedly take a match away from the opposition.
• Phoebe Litchfield: A consistent run-scorer who adds stability to Australia's top order.
• Sophie Molineux: Australia’s primary spinner, known for her ability to take wickets in clusters.

Head-to-Head Record

In the last five encounters, Australia has dominated completely, winning all five matches. This is a daunting stat for Sri Lanka, but they will be motivated to break the cycle on home soil.

Venue Insights – R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

• Average 1st Innings Score (2020–2025): 257.0
• Batting First Win %: 50%
• Bowling First Win %: 50%
• Powerplay Wickets/Innings: 1.00
• Middle Overs Wickets (Overs 11–40): 4.00
• Death Overs Wickets (Overs 41–50): 3.42

The pitch at R Premadasa is typically balanced but can offer assistance to spinners in the middle and death overs. This could play into Sri Lanka’s hands, especially if they can contain the Australian openers early.

Squads

Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Harshitha Samarawickrama (wk), Imesha Dulani, Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Nilakshika Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Piumi Wathsala, Dewmi Vihanda, Achini Kulasuriya, Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera, Udesikha Prabodhani.

Australia: Alyssa Healy (c, wk), Beth Mooney (wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Darcie Brown, Sophie Molineux, Megan Schutt, Georgia Wareham.

Pre-Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Sri Lanka
• Match Winner: Australia
• Top Batter (Runs): Harshitha Samarawickrama (Sri Lanka), Phoebe Litchfield (Australia)
• Top Bowler (Wickets): Inoka Ranaweera (Sri Lanka), Sophie Molineux (Australia)
• Most Sixes: Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka), Phoebe Litchfield (Australia)
• Player of the Match: Phoebe Litchfield (Australia)
• Team Scores (Batting First): Sri Lanka 210+, Australia 280+

Final Verdict

While Sri Lanka will be eager to make a statement, Australia’s depth, consistency, and firepower make them the strong favorites. However, the home conditions and the potential for spin could make this match more competitive than the stats suggest. It promises to be an exciting encounter in a high-stakes World Cup.

Prediction: Australia Women to win by a margin of 50+ runs.

Stay tuned for live updates and in-depth coverage of the match on the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 page.
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