The fifth clash of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 promises an enthralling contest as Sri Lanka take on Australia on October 4th at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The encounter begins at 3:00 PM IST, setting the stage for a battle between two sides who have experienced contrasting starts to their campaigns.
Form Guide – Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s preparations have been mixed. Their first warm-up against Pakistan was washed out, followed by a one-run loss to Bangladesh that highlighted finishing concerns. Earlier in the Tri-Nation series with India and South Africa, they produced highs and lows — losing to India by 9 wickets, beating South Africa by 5 wickets and India by 3 wickets, before falling to South Africa by 76 runs and India in the final by 97 runs. Key performers included Samarawickrama (203 runs in 5 matches) and Dewmi Vihanga (11 wickets in 4 games).
In their World Cup opener against India, Inoka Ranaweera’s 4/46 reduced the hosts to 124/6, but Sri Lanka conceded 271 (DLS). With the bat, Chamari Athapaththu (43 off 47) and Nilakshi de Silva (35 off 29) fought hard, yet a lack of partnerships led to a 59-run defeat.
Form Guide – Australia
Australia have played just 6 ODIs this year but shown sharp form. They began with a 3-0 sweep of England in January, winning by 4 wickets, 21 runs, and 86 runs. Against India in September, they chased 282 in the opener, collapsed for 190 in the second to lose by 102 runs, but bounced back with 412 in Delhi to win by 43 runs. A warm-up loss to England followed, though it barely dented their confidence.
In their World Cup opener against New Zealand, Gardner’s explosive 115 off 83 lifted them from 128/5, supported by Litchfield (45 off 31) and Garth (38 off 37). Their bowlers then took over, with Molineux (3/25), Sutherland (3/26), and King (2/44) securing an 89-run victory.
Head-to-Head:
Total Matches – 11
Australia Wins – 11
Sri Lanka Wins – 0
Australia have completely dominated this rivalry, winning all eleven encounters. The last meeting came in 2019, when Australia swept the 3-match ODI series at home 3-0.
Sri Lanka will look to test Australia with their spin and experience at their home conditions, while the world champions aim to continue their perfect record. Colombo now braces for a clash of ambition against authority.
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