Women’s World Cup, formidable Australia meet struggling Pakistan: Match preview

**Women’s World Cup 2025: Formidable Australia Meet Struggling Pakistan – Match Preview**

*By Gaurav Tripathi | October 7, 2025, 04:59 PM*

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 continues as Australia faces Pakistan in Match No. 9 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on October 8. Australia enters this game buoyed by an impressive win against New Zealand in their opener, although their last match against Sri Lanka was washed out. On the other hand, Pakistan has had a tough start to the tournament, losing their first two games to India and Bangladesh.

### Match Details

– **Date & Time:** October 8, 3:00 PM IST
– **Venue:** R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
– **Broadcast:** Live on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar app/website

The R. Premadasa Stadium is known for its bowling-friendly pitches, which typically result in low-scoring matches. Fast bowlers can expect some early assistance, while spinners are likely to play a crucial role as the game progresses.

### Australia: Looking to Build Momentum

Despite some key players—opener Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, and Annabel Sutherland—not firing at their usual best, Ashleigh Gardner’s explosive century against New Zealand helped Australia secure a dominant victory. This match against Pakistan offers Australia a chance to fine-tune their strategies before taking on tougher opponents like England, India, and South Africa later in the tournament.

### Pakistan: Facing Several Challenges

Pakistan has struggled so far, with losses against both Bangladesh and India. Currently positioned at the bottom of the eight-team table, Pakistan’s batting depth remains a major concern. Their innings have been low-scoring, with team totals of 129 and 159 in their recent matches. Key players including Sidra Amin, Fatima Sana, and Muneeba Ali have yet to find consistent form in the tournament.

### Head-to-Head: Australia’s Dominance

The head-to-head record overwhelmingly favors Australia. The two teams have met 16 times in Women’s ODIs, with Australia winning every encounter. There has never been a no-result between them. Their first meeting dates back to February 7, 1997, and their latest clash occurred on January 21, 2023. Notably, five of these matches have been staged during World Cups.

### Probable Playing XIs

**Australia**
– Alyssa Healy (c & wk)
– Phoebe Litchfield
– Ellyse Perry
– Beth Mooney
– Annabel Sutherland
– Ashleigh Gardner
– Tahlia McGrath
– Sophie Molineux
– Kim Garth
– Alana King
– Darcie Brown

**Pakistan**
– Muneeba Ali
– Sadaf Shamas
– Sidra Amin
– Aliya Riaz
– Natalia Pervaiz
– Fatima Sana (c)
– Sidra Nawaz (wk)
– Rameen Shamim
– Diana Baig
– Nashra Sandhu
– Sadia Iqbal

### Key Performers to Watch

– **Sophie Molineux** claimed a valuable three-wicket haul against New Zealand and boasts 26 WODI wickets at an impressive average of 13.69.
– **Ashleigh Gardner** scored her century off just 77 deliveries versus New Zealand, the third-fastest in tournament history and the quickest by an Australian batter.
– **Nashra Sandhu** made history last month by becoming the first left-arm Asian spinner to take a six-wicket haul in Women’s ODI cricket.
– With 599 runs at an average of 74.87, **Sidra Amin** is Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in WODIs this year.

### Fan Poll

Will Beth Mooney cross the 50-run mark in this clash? Share your thoughts!

Stay tuned for more updates as Australia and Pakistan lock horns in what promises to be an exciting contest at the Women’s World Cup 2025.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/women-s-world-cup-australia-vs-pakistan-preview-and-stats/story

Listing South African batters with hundreds at Women’s World Cup

**South African Batters with Hundreds at the Women’s World Cup**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 07, 2025, 03:42 pm*

South Africa recently registered a convincing six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup. The match, held at Indore’s Holkar Stadium, saw Tazmin Brits deliver a brilliant century as her side comfortably chased down the target of 232 runs.

Brits’ exceptional knock of 101 makes her the first woman cricketer to score five WODI hundreds in a calendar year. In this article, we take a look at South African batters who have scored hundreds in the Women’s World Cup.

### #3 Tazmin Brits – 101 vs New Zealand, 2025
In the recent game against New Zealand, South Africa’s chase was masterfully led by Tazmin Brits. She scored an impressive 101 runs off just 89 balls, including 15 fours and 1 six. Brits was ably supported by Sune Luus, who remained unbeaten on 83.

The duo put together a crucial 159-run partnership for the second wicket, sealing the victory for South Africa. The Proteas finished on 234/4 with 9.1 overs to spare.

### #2 Marizanne Kapp – 102* vs Pakistan, 2013
Marizanne Kapp was outstanding in the 2013 Women’s World Cup match against Pakistan held in Cuttack, India. Batting on a challenging surface, South Africa found themselves struggling at 9/2 when Kapp came to the crease.

She steadied the innings and played a solid knock, finishing unbeaten on 102 runs off 150 deliveries, with 11 fours. Her innings was pivotal in South Africa posting a total of 207/5. The team went on to win the match by a huge margin of 126 runs. Kapp also shared an unbeaten 128-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Dane van Niekerk, who scored 55*.

### #1 Linda Olivier – 101* vs Ireland, 2000
The first South African woman to score a hundred in the Women’s World Cup was former opener Linda Olivier. This memorable innings came in the 2000 World Cup match against Ireland in Christchurch.

Asked to chase a target of 178 runs, Olivier led the Proteas’ charge with a fine 117-run opening partnership alongside Hanri Strydom, who scored 46. Olivier remained unbeaten on 101 runs off 117 balls, hitting 10 fours and guiding South Africa to a comfortable nine-wicket victory.

These remarkable innings have contributed significantly to South Africa’s journey in the Women’s World Cup, setting high standards for future generations of batters.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/south-african-batters-with-hundreds-at-the-women-s-world-cup/story

Women’s World Cup, formidable Australia meet struggling Pakistan: Match preview

**Women’s World Cup 2025: Formidable Australia Meet Struggling Pakistan – Match Preview**

*By Gaurav Tripathi | October 7, 2025 | 4:59 PM*

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 continues to deliver thrilling encounters as Australia is set to take on Pakistan in Match No. 9 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on October 8.

Australia enter this fixture buoyed by an impressive victory over New Zealand in their tournament opener. However, their momentum was slightly hampered when their subsequent game against Sri Lanka was washed out. On the other hand, Pakistan has had a challenging start, suffering defeats at the hands of India and Bangladesh in their opening two matches.

### Match Details
– **Date:** October 8, 2025
– **Venue:** R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
– **Start Time:** 3:00 PM IST
– **Broadcast:** Live on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar app/website

### Pitch Report
The R. Premadasa Stadium traditionally offers a bowling-friendly surface, where recent matches have been low-scoring affairs. Fast bowlers can expect to extract some early assistance, while spinners typically become more influential as the game progresses. Teams batting second might find it challenging on this pitch.

### Australia: Building Momentum
Despite some key players like opener Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, and Annabel Sutherland not firing at full strength, Ashleigh Gardner’s scintillating century against New Zealand helped Australia dominate comfortably. This match against Pakistan offers the Women in Yellow an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies ahead of tougher challenges from England, India, and South Africa later in the tournament.

### Pakistan: Challenges Continue
Pakistan’s campaign has been fraught with difficulties. Back-to-back losses to India and Bangladesh have left them at the bottom of the points table in the eight-team competition. Batting depth remains a major concern; their totals of 129 and 159 in the last two matches highlight their struggles. Key players such as Sidra Amin, Fatima Sana, and Muneeba Ali have yet to find consistent form.

### Head-to-Head Record
Australia completely dominates the head-to-head record against Pakistan. According to ESPNcricinfo, in 16 Women’s ODIs played between the two sides, Australia has emerged victorious every time without a single no-result. Their first encounter dates back to February 7, 1997, with the latest clash occurring on January 21, 2023. Five of these matches have taken place during previous World Cups.

### Probable Playing XIs

**Australia:**
Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Kim Garth, Alana King, Darcie Brown.

**Pakistan:**
Muneeba Ali, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (c), Sidra Nawaz (wk), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal.

### Key Players and Stats to Watch

– Sophie Molineux impressed with a three-wicket haul against New Zealand and boasts 26 WODI wickets at an exceptional average of 13.69.
– Ashleigh Gardner’s century against New Zealand came off just 77 balls, marking the third-fastest century in Women’s World Cup history and the quickest by an Australian.
– Nashra Sandhu made history last month by becoming the first left-arm Asian spinner to claim a six-wicket haul in a Women’s ODI.
– Sidra Amin is Pakistan’s top run-scorer this year in WODIs, amassing 599 runs at an impressive average of 74.87.

### Fan Poll
Will Beth Mooney score 50 or more runs in this match? Share your predictions in the comments below!

Stay tuned as these two teams prepare to lock horns in what promises to be an intriguing contest in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/women-s-world-cup-australia-vs-pakistan-preview-and-stats/story

EU Council calls for life sciences investment fund

EU governments are planning to launch a European Life Sciences Investment Fund as part of a coordinated strategy to make Europe a more attractive destination for private investment in research and innovation.

At a meeting held in Brussels on September 30, research ministers approved Council conclusions focused on life sciences for enhancing EU competitiveness. These conclusions call on the European Commission to explore the feasibility of establishing a dedicated fund through the European Investment Fund (EIF), which is part of the European Investment Bank Group.

Strong and innovative life sciences are essential for the Union’s sustainable global competitiveness, sovereignty, security, and autonomy. They play a crucial role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of European citizens, addressing societal and environmental challenges, and supporting the green transition.
https://sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-funding/life-sciences/eu-council-calls-life-sciences-investment-fund

Judge Won’t Immediately Block President Trump’s National Guard Troop Deployment to Illinois

A federal judge has declined to immediately block President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Illinois.

US District Judge April Perry, a Biden appointee, opted not to issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) but scheduled a hearing on the case for Thursday.

On Sunday, President Trump ordered 400 Texas National Guard troops to be deployed to Illinois and Oregon to protect ICE agents amid concerns over violent Antifa protesters. Following this, Texas announced it would send a total of 2,000 National Guard troops to Chicago, despite opposition from Illinois Democrat Governor J.B. Pritzker.

“I fully authorized the President to call up 400 members of the Texas National Guard to ensure safety for federal officials,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated. “You can either fully enforce protection for federal employees or get out of the way and let Texas Guard do it,” Abbott added.

The activation of the National Guard came after violence erupted in Chicago over the weekend. Far-left protesters reportedly used vehicles to box in ICE agents, escalating tensions in the city.

On Monday, Illinois and the city of Chicago filed a lawsuit seeking to block the troop deployment. However, the troops were already en route. “Defendants’ deployment of federalized troops to Illinois is patently unlawful,” Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul wrote, according to CBS News.

“Plaintiffs ask this court to halt the illegal, dangerous, and unconstitutional federalization of members of the National Guard of the United States, including both the Illinois and Texas National Guard,” Raoul added.

Governor Pritzker expressed strong opposition to the troop deployment, saying, “Illinois will not let the Trump administration continue on their authoritarian march without resisting.”

“We will use every lever at our disposal to stop this power grab because military troops should not be used against American communities,” Pritzker emphasized.

Meanwhile, a federal judge on Sunday evening temporarily blocked President Trump’s National Guard troop deployment to Oregon, underscoring the ongoing legal battles surrounding these decisions.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/10/judge-wont-immediately-block-trumps-national-guard-troop/

ICTSI plows $130M as Subic terminals get fresh term

MANILA, Philippines – International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), led by tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., has earmarked more than $130 million to bolster its Subic port operations following the extension of its concession agreements for an additional 25 years.

The listed global ports operator announced that its subsidiaries, Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. and ICTSI Subic Inc., will spearhead these developments aimed at enhancing capacity and efficiency at the Subic port. This significant investment underscores ICTSI’s commitment to strengthening its presence and service quality in the region.
https://business.inquirer.net/551035/ictsi-plows-130m-as-subic-terminals-get-fresh-term

Osaka University Professor Sakaguchi Wins Nobel Prize

As of 3 p.m. on October 6th, Typhoon No. 22 (Halong) was moving northwest over the ocean near the Ogasawara Islands. The typhoon has intensified to form a storm zone with sustained winds exceeding 25 meters per second. Depending on its course, the typhoon may bring strong winds and heavy rain to areas along the Pacific coast from western to eastern Japan. Particularly heavy rainfall is expected across the Tokai and Kanto coastal regions, as well as the Izu Islands. Authorities are urging residents to stay alert for further updates.

In other news, Osaka University’s specially appointed professor, Shimon Sakaguchi, has been awarded this year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his groundbreaking work in immunology. Sakaguchi is best known for discovering regulatory T cells, a type of immune cell that suppresses excessive immune responses. His findings have had far-reaching implications in medical science.

On the night of October 5th, a collision occurred on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line in Kawasaki City. A local train attempting to arrive at Kajigaya Station struck a stationary out-of-service train, causing several cars of the latter to derail. Investigators from the Japan Transport Safety Board arrived at the scene on the morning of October 6th to begin examining the cause of the accident.

Meanwhile, a Spanish tourist was attacked by a bear while visiting Shirakawa-go, the UNESCO World Heritage village in Gifu Prefecture known for its traditional thatched-roof houses, on October 5th. This incident adds to a growing number of bear encounters reported across Japan in recent weeks.

In political news, Sanae Takaichi was elected as the Liberal Democratic Party’s new president on October 4th. After defeating agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a runoff, she became the party’s first female leader. On stage, Takaichi declared, “I ask everybody to work like a horse,” signaling her call for dedicated effort from party members.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147170.php

Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly earns maiden England call-up: Details here

**Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly Earns Maiden England Call-Up**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 06, 2025, 05:31 PM*

Manchester City defender Nico O’Reilly has received his first-ever call-up to the England national team. His inclusion comes following the injury withdrawal of Chelsea’s Reece James, who sustained an injury during Chelsea’s Premier League victory over Liverpool on Saturday.

### Career Progression: Who is Nico O’Reilly?

Primarily a left-back for Manchester City, O’Reilly will step in to replace James in the England squad. The 20-year-old has been with Manchester City since the age of eight and made his breakthrough into the first team last season. So far this season, he has appeared nine times across all competitions. Last season, he made 21 appearances and was included in Pep Guardiola’s squad for the Club World Cup.

### Tactical Advantage: A Reward for Strong Performances

O’Reilly’s call-up is a reflection of his impressive form at City. Under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, he has been transitioned from a number 10 midfielder to a left-back and has started seven of City’s games this season. England manager Thomas Tuchel values players with strong running ability, a trait O’Reilly clearly possesses.

His versatility to perform in multiple positions could be a crucial asset for Tuchel as he finalizes his squad for the World Cup.

### International Journey

Nico O’Reilly has represented England at various youth levels, from Under-15s through to Under-20s. He was recently called up to the Under-21 squad in September but had to withdraw due to injury. Although O’Reilly views himself primarily as a midfielder, his current role replacing Reece James indicates he is now likely to be utilized as a defender at the international level.

James’s injury does leave England with limited options at right-back, with Djed Spence currently the only other natural choice in that position.

Stay tuned for more updates on Nico O’Reilly and England’s squad selections ahead of the World Cup.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/england-name-nico-o-reilly-as-replacement-for-james-reece/story

Women’s World Cup, Nonkululeko Mlaba claims 4-fer versus NZ: Stats

**Women’s World Cup: Nonkululeko Mlaba Claims Four-Wicket Haul Against New Zealand**

*By Rajdeep Saha | October 6, 2025 | 6:42 PM*

South African spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba delivered a match-winning performance in a crucial ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 encounter against New Zealand. The game, played in Indore, saw Mlaba produce an impressive spell of 4 wickets for 40 runs from her full quota of 10 overs.

Chasing a competitive total, New Zealand appeared well set at 187 for 3 in the 38th over, following an 86-run partnership. However, Mlaba struck breakthrough wickets that triggered a dramatic collapse. She dismantled the Kiwi batting lineup, ultimately bowling New Zealand out for 231.

Mlaba’s decisive spell began in the 39th over when she dismissed the well-set Brooke Halliday, who was on 45. The wicket came on the first ball with a well-executed slog sweep. Mlaba then continued her onslaught, picking up the wickets of Maddy Green in the 41st over, caught out after attempting a reverse sweep, followed by half-centurion Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu.

This four-wicket haul marked Mlaba’s second in Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs). With figures of 4/40, she has now taken 42 wickets in 39 WODIs, maintaining a bowling average of 34.85 and an economy rate of 4.80.

Specifically against New Zealand Women, Mlaba has been notably effective, claiming 9 wickets in just 4 matches at an average of 17.44 and an economy rate of 4.02.

Playing only her second match in the Women’s World Cup, Mlaba’s impactful bowling has given South Africa a significant boost as she opens her wicket tally in this prestigious tournament.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/women-s-world-cup-nonkululeko-mlaba-floors-new-zealand-with-4-fer/story

Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly earns maiden England call-up: Details here

**Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly Earns Maiden England Call-Up**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 06, 2025, 05:31 PM*

Manchester City defender Nico O’Reilly has received his first-ever call-up to the England national team. His inclusion follows the withdrawal of Chelsea’s Reece James due to injury. James suffered the setback during Chelsea’s recent Premier League victory over Liverpool.

### Career Progression: Who Is Nico O’Reilly?

Nico O’Reilly, primarily a left-back for Manchester City, is set to replace Reece James in the England squad. The 20-year-old joined City’s academy at the age of eight and made his breakthrough into the first team last season.

So far this season, O’Reilly has made nine appearances across all competitions. In the previous campaign, he featured 21 times and was also included in Pep Guardiola’s squad for the Club World Cup.

### Tactical Advantage and Reward for Strong Performances

O’Reilly’s call-up is a testament to his impressive performances for City. Pep Guardiola has transitioned him from a number 10 midfielder to a left-back, a position where he has started seven of City’s games this season.

England manager Thomas Tuchel values powerful runners, a quality O’Reilly possesses in abundance. Additionally, his versatility to operate in multiple positions could prove invaluable for England as they prepare their final squad for the upcoming World Cup.

### International Journey

O’Reilly has represented England at various youth levels, ranging from Under-15 to Under-20. Although he was recently called up to the Under-21 squad in September, an injury forced him to withdraw.

While O’Reilly sees himself primarily as a midfielder, his replacement role for Reece James indicates he will be deployed mainly as a full-back for England. With James sidelined, England’s options at right-back are limited, with Djed Spence currently the only natural player for the position.

Stay tuned for more updates on England’s squad selections and preparations for the World Cup.

*Follow the conversation on Twitter: #NicoOReilly #EnglandFootball #ManCity*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/england-name-nico-o-reilly-as-replacement-for-james-reece/story