Pakistan’s number 3 batter Sidra Amin, the team’s leading run-scorer with 81 runs in two innings, struck an assured tone in her pre-match press conference ahead of Pakistan’s ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 clash against Australia, led by Alyssa Healy, at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on 8th October from 3 PM IST.
The 33-year-old top-order batter, who rebounded strongly from a golden duck against Bangladesh to craft a fighting 81 off 106 deliveries against India, reflected on responsibility, adaptation, and belief as Pakistan seek a turnaround under skipper Fatima Sana after back-to-back defeats in the tournament.
Pakistan’s campaign has endured a tough beginning, with a seven-wicket loss to Bangladesh on 2nd October, followed by an 88-run defeat to India on 5th October, but Sidra remains unflustered. Acknowledging her central role, she said, “As a senior batter, and you can even call me the backbone of the team, my coaches and teammates have put a lot of responsibility on me, and I like taking that responsibility. I try to stay calm and composed because I know my game and how to take it forward.”
Her composed half-century against India offered a glimpse of what Pakistan’s top order can deliver when given stability. Yet, she knows that performances alone won’t suffice unless others rally around her. “It is a big game for us as a team, but as a team and as individuals, we have to step up and focus on our strengths,” Amin remarked, looking forward to the high stakes encounter against the reigning champions.
While the clash against Australia promises to be a stern test, Pakistan have never beaten them in ODIs, the slow, turning surface in Colombo could narrow the gulf, albeit slightly. “We have an edge on this wicket. We’ve played two games here. Australia has not played any. But they have a lot of experienced players who have played cricket in most countries. The way they assess the game is better,” she observed thoughtfully.
Her words underline Pakistan’s cautious optimism. Even as the subcontinental conditions pose challenges for visiting teams, Australia’s adaptability remains well documented. “They have played all over the world. They know the conditions better,” Amin admitted. “They play the WBBLs and The Hundreds, and come and play in Asian conditions as well. They take preparation very seriously. I’ve heard they prepare for Asian conditions with indoor sessions with the temperature up to 35-40 degrees (Celsius). So they can train that way as well.”
Statistically, Pakistan and Australia share a similar volume of ODI exposure since the 2022 World Cup, 34 and 32 matches respectively, but the quality of opposition has differed sharply. While Australia’s fixtures have included 15 games against elite opponents like India and England, Pakistan have faced those powerhouses only sparingly. This contrast in competitive depth is something Amin acknowledges indirectly through her emphasis on preparation, adaptation, and learning from every outing.
“From the beginning, I’ve been trying to adapt because the game keeps evolving,” she said. “As a main batter for my team, I have to play responsibly and cover for those dot balls.” Her recent innings against India highlighted exactly that, an ability to occupy the crease and build momentum even when the scoreboard isn’t racing.
Pakistan’s strategy heading into the clash is built around patience, time in the middle, and taking ownership as a batting unit. “We are a good batting side, but as batters, we have to spend more time on the wicket so that we can execute our plans and assess the conditions really well,” Amin explained. “The discussion is that, as batters, we need to take more responsibility, stay longer on the wicket, and play the maximum number of overs.”
Her self-assessment after her gritty knock against India reflected maturity and perspective. “That gave me confidence, but every game is different. Tomorrow is a new day, a new game, and hopefully, I’ll continue to perform well for my team,” she said.
The top-order batter also touched on the team’s preparation focus ahead of facing Australia’s formidable seaming attack. “We are hopeful and focused for the next two days. We’ll discuss everything and work hard on the areas that can be improved as a team. They have a lot of seamers, so we’ll focus on batting well against seam bowling in the next game.”
Colombo’s slowish pitch may just offer Pakistan a faint glimmer of hope, but Sidra Amin’s words make it clear: the belief within the camp stems from preparation and self-assurance rather than luck. With two defeats behind them and the world champions up next, Pakistan’s prospects rest heavily on experienced shoulders like Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, composed, determined, and ready to fight.
Confident but grounded, Sidra Amin strikes the perfect note ahead of a defining World Cup duel, embodying both Pakistan’s resilience and resolve as they seek to challenge Australia and reignite their campaign in Colombo.
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