Author: Faisal Shahnawaz

Rawalpindi, October 23, 2025 – South Africa produced a remarkable all-round performance to defeat Pakistan in the second Test and level the two-match series 1-1. The victory marks the Proteas’ first Test win in Pakistan since 2007 and only their third triumph in Asia in the past decade, underlining why they remain the reigning World Test Champions.

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Indore, October 22, 2025 – Australia Women continued their unbeaten run in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (WCWC) 2025, crushing England Women by six wickets at the Holkar Stadium, Indore.

The victory was powered by a sensational all-round performance from Annabel Sutherland and a brilliant century from Ashleigh Gardner, as Australia chased down England’s total of 245 with ease.

Australia Overcome Early Jitters in the Run Chase

Chasing 245, Australia faced early pressure as England’s bowlers struck in quick succession. With Alyssa Healy sidelined due to a calf strain, the top order stumbled, losing Georgia Voll, Perry, and Litchfield cheaply. At 46/3 in the Powerplay, the Aussies were in trouble — but the story changed once Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner joined forces.

The duo steadied the innings with a calculated partnership, mixing smart rotation of strike with timely boundaries. Their 109-run stand between overs 11 and 30 turned the game in Australia’s favor. Gardner reached her century first, while Sutherland narrowly missed hers, falling just a few runs short. The pair’s composure and adaptability against spin proved decisive, ensuring a smooth finish to the chase.

England Falter After Promising Start

Earlier, England Women got off to a flying start after being put in to bat. Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones gave England momentum during the Powerplay, but Australia’s spinners quickly changed the course of the match. Alana King, Sophie Molineux, and Ashleigh Gardner combined to stifle the scoring rate and triggered a middle-order collapse.

Despite a spirited late stand between Alice Capsey and Charlie Dean, England could only post 245. Sutherland starred with the ball, claiming three key wickets, while the spinners shared five between them, tightening the noose through the middle overs.

Sutherland Named Player of the Match

For her dominant performance, Annabel Sutherland was named Player of the Match. She said she enjoyed batting alongside Gardner, praising her partner’s attacking intent. “Once I got in, the wicket felt great to bat on. It was all about trusting my game and keeping the momentum,” Sutherland said, adding credit to the bowlers for setting up the win.

Captains React to the Result

Australia’s stand-in skipper Tahlia McGrath hailed the victory as a “clinical performance,” applauding both Sutherland and Gardner for their match-winning knocks. “Our spinners were brilliant today, and Annabel deserved a hundred for the way she played,” McGrath said. She also confirmed that Alyssa Healy’s recovery is progressing well and being handled with care by the medical team.

Meanwhile, England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt admitted that her side “didn’t have enough runs on the board” and credited Australia’s disciplined bowling. “We built pressure in patches, but loose deliveries and lack of partnerships hurt us,” she noted, while commending Tammy Beaumont for her determined innings.

Australia Extend Dominance Over England

The win reinforced Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket, marking their 14th ODI World Cup win over England. Even without key players, the seven-time champions once again displayed depth, discipline, and mental strength — attributes that make them the team to beat in WCWC 2025.

With this victory, Australia remain the only unbeaten team in the tournament and have virtually sealed their place in the semifinals.

Next Match: India vs New Zealand – October 23, 2025

The focus now shifts to India Women vs New Zealand Women in Navi Mumbai on October 23, a crucial encounter likely to decide the fourth semifinal spot in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.