Australia, on the other hand, have looked typically formidable despite a few hiccups. Their top order, led by Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney, remains world-class, and the return of Megan Schutt and Georgia Wareham adds further depth to an already intimidating line-up. Still, recent batting collapses — against New Zealand, India, and England — hint that the Aussies can be rattled under pressure.
The pitch at Colombo promises assistance for spinners, and Pakistan will bank on Fatima Sana, Sadia Iqbal, and Nashra Sandhu to exploit the dryness in the surface. Russell Arnold noted the scarring and slow nature of the track, suggesting early runs will be crucial.
Australia will bat first after Healy’s side lost the toss, but with heat soaring above 30°C and humidity touching 80%, conditions could test both sides’ endurance. For Pakistan, belief is the keyword. Against an Australian unit that rarely blinks, they’ll need everything to click, starting from power-hitter Eyman Fatima’s aggression to their captain’s composure to prevent this clash from becoming a one-sided affair.
