Women’s World Cup 2025 : Fatima Sana’s aggressive celebration after sending Phoebe Litchfield back to the pavilion in AUS-W vs PAK-W clash

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The much-anticipated 9th match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 between Australia Women and Pakistan Women took place on October 8, 2025, at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Pakistan, having won the toss, opted to field first against the strong Australian side, who are among the tournament favourites. The contest was intense from the outset with Pakistan producing some early breakthroughs to put pressure on the defending champions.

A defining moment early in the innings came when Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana put on a dazzling display of seam bowling prowess. After dismissing opener Alyssa Healy for 20, Fatima delivered a full, slightly wide delivery to Phoebe Litchfield aiming for a lofted drive down the ground. Litchfield, looking to accelerate, played the shot with a slightly closed face, causing the ball to balloon high in the air directly above Fatima, who took a clean catch below her.

Litchfield departed for 10 runs off 22 balls with a strike rate of 45.45, including one boundary. Fatima celebrated the dismissal of young Australian batter in full fierce style with her Pakistan teammates. This fierce send-off was a significant morale booster for Pakistan and brought Pakistan firmly into the contest at an early stage. The dismissal was a textbook example of composure and control by Fatima, demonstrating her ability to combine aggression with tactical bowling. This wicket also highlighted Pakistan’s intent to challenge Australia’s batting depth by striking decisively in the initial overs.

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Pakistan’s decision to field first paid early dividends as they struck twice within the first 10 overs. Alyssa Healy, the Australian captain and wicketkeeper, fell caught by Diana Baig off Sadia Iqbal’s bowling at 30 runs in the 6.6 over, shaking Australia’s top order early. Soon after in the 7.3rd over, Litchfield’s dismissal by Fatima left Australia reeling at 30 for 2 wickets.

The initial phase of the innings saw Pakistan’s seamers maintaining excellent discipline on a pitch that was expected to be slow and conducive to bowlers. The R Premadasa Stadium’s conditions—hot, humid, and with short square boundaries—were adding to the bowlers’ advantage, limiting Australia’s scoring opportunities and increasing the pressure on their batswomen.

At the end of the powerplay overs, Australia’s score stood at 40/2 wickets, demonstrating how effectively Pakistan had controlled the game’s pace. Fatima bowled 4 overs, conceding only 12 runs with 1 wicket, while Iqbal also made a key impact with her wickets and economical spell.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.