Pakistan’s women’s cricket team will face a familiar challenge on Friday as they take on Australia in a World Cup encounter. Ahead of the match, Sidra Amin highlighted the experience gap between the sides.

“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,” Amin said.

Conditions May Offer Slight Advantage

Pakistan’s early campaign in Colombo has been mixed, with losses to Bangladesh and India. The slowish pitches in Sri Lanka could provide a minor advantage, given Australia has yet to face them in this tournament. However, Amin stressed that Australia’s adaptability and preparation could neutralize this edge.

“They have played all over the world. They know the conditions better. They play the WBBLs and the Hundred, 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.”

Experience and Competition Matter

While Pakistan has played 34 ODIs since the 2022 World Cup, Australia has played 32, with 15 of those against top teams like India and England. Pakistan, by comparison, faced these sides in only four games. The intensity and caliber of competition, combined with a strong domestic structure, have helped Australia maintain its dominance.

Ellyse Perry, veteran of two ODI World Cup-winning teams, underscored the importance of Australia’s domestic investment in women’s cricket:

“We've got wonderful support back home in terms of the programs that we've got. We've got a full-time domestic structure that breeds great depth in Australian cricket. We're a cricket nation too that loves playing the game. So we've always, throughout history, had wonderful players.”

Adapting to Conditions

Perry also explained how Australia’s batting unit adapts to challenging conditions like the slower pitches in Colombo:

“It's never going to be everyone's day on the same day. Quite possibly, it might just be one person's day. But we all go out with the same approach, and that's to be really positive, but also really adaptable and smart to whatever the game's presenting, whether that's conditions or the opposition.”

As Pakistan looks for its first-ever victory over Australia in the World Cup, the match will test not only their skill but also their ability to compete against one of the most experienced and well-prepared sides in women’s cricket.