Match Predictions: ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 – Match 19 – New Zealand Women vs Pakistan Women – October 18th

Match Overview

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 heats up as New Zealand Women lock horns with Pakistan Women in Match 19 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Both sides have had contrasting campaigns so far — New Zealand aim to revive their semi-final hopes, while Pakistan desperately seek their first win of the tournament.

With rain interruptions affecting both teams in recent matches, this clash becomes a must-win encounter to stay alive in the competition.

Head-to-Head Record (WODIs)

New Zealand hold a dominant head-to-head record against Pakistan, having won 13 of their 14 previous encounters in ODIs. Pakistan’s only win came back in 2017.

🇳🇿 Team Preview – New Zealand Women

New Zealand Women currently sit 5th on the table, with one win, two losses, and one match abandoned due to rain. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance but have lacked consistency at crucial stages.

In their last completed match, the White Ferns thrashed Bangladesh Women by 100 runs, driven by captain Sophie Devine’s leadership and an excellent bowling performance from Lea Tahuhu.

Recent Form:

• Beat Bangladesh Women by 100 runs

• Lost to India Women by 6 wickets

• Lost to Australia Women by 8 wickets

• Match vs Sri Lanka abandoned

Key Players:

• Sophie Devine (C) – The backbone of NZ’s batting with 260 runs so far (Avg 65.0).

• Brooke Halliday – A composed middle-order batter with 142 runs this tournament.

• Amelia Kerr – World-class all-rounder, capable of match-winning spells and handy runs.

• Lea Tahuhu – NZ’s top wicket-taker (7 wickets, economy 4.1).

• Jess Kerr – Effective in early overs, strikes consistently in the powerplay.

Team Strengths:

• Strong batting depth with experience across the top six.

• A balanced bowling attack featuring pace and spin options.

• Tactical leadership under Devine and Kerr.

Weaknesses:

• Early wickets have hurt momentum in previous matches.

• Fielding lapses in key moments.

🇵🇰 Team Preview – Pakistan Women

Pakistan Women are placed last on the table with three losses and one abandoned match. Despite their results, Pakistan’s bowling unit has impressed with its discipline and variety.

They will, however, need their batters to step up against a strong Kiwi attack.

Recent Form:

• Lost to Australia Women by 107 runs

• Match vs England Women abandoned (were 34/0 chasing 134 target)

• Lost to South Africa Women by 5 wickets

• Lost to India Women by 9 wickets

Key Players:

• Sidra Ameen – Pakistan’s leading run-scorer (116 runs) and the most dependable top-order batter.

• Sana Fatima (C) – Consistent wicket-taker (9 wickets so far, 3rd in tournament).

• Diana Baig – Swing bowler who troubles batters early on.

• Omaima Sohail – Middle-order stabilizer and an agile fielder.

• Muneeba Ali (VC) – Aggressive left-hander, capable of providing quick starts.

Team Strengths:

• Experienced bowling lineup that can defend low totals.

• Spin-friendly attack suited for Colombo conditions.

• Lower middle-order resilience.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistent top-order batting.

• Lack of finishing power in last 10 overs.

• Overdependence on Sidra Ameen.

Key Stats & Tournament Leaders (Before Match 19)

Most Runs

Most Wickets

Pitch & Conditions Report

The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is known for its slow, spin-friendly surface that offers assistance to bowlers in the middle overs.

• Average 1st innings score: 220

• Chasing teams: Slight advantage if dew sets in

• Weather: Hot and humid, with 40% chance of late-afternoon showers

Expect captains to bat first if the pitch looks dry, as spin will play a big role later in the evening.

Predicted Playing XIs

New Zealand Women:

1. Suzie Bates

2. Georgia Plimmer

3. Sophie Devine (C)

4. Amelia Kerr

5. Brooke Halliday

6. Maddy Green

7. Izzy Gaze (WK)

8. Jess Kerr

9. Lea Tahuhu

10. Eden Carson

11. Rosemary Mair

Reserves: Bella James, Polly Inglis

Pakistan Women:

1. Muneeba Ali (VC)

2. Sidra Ameen

3. Omaima Sohail

4. Aliya Riaz

5. Fatima Sana (C)

6. Diana Baig

7. Sadaf Shamas

8. Sadia Iqbal

9. Nashra Sundhu

10. Sana Fatima

11. Syeda Aroob Shah

Reserves: Eyman Fatima, Tuba Hassan, Waheeda Akhtar

Full Squads

New Zealand Women Squad:

Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Georgia Plimmer, Eden Carson, Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair, Bella James, Polly Inglis, Izzy Gaze, Flora Devonshire, Bree Illing.

Pakistan Women Squad:

Fatima Sana (C), Muneeba Ali (VC), Sidra Ameen, Omaima Sohail, Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal, Sadaf Shamas, Syeda Aroob Shah, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Rameen Shamim, Natalia Parvaiz, Sidra Nawaz, Eyman Fatima.
Reserves: Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar.

Fantasy Cricket Tips (Dream11 Preview)

Top Picks:

• Sophie Devine (C) – Must-pick captain option.

• Amelia Kerr – All-rounder impact player.

• Sana Fatima – Pakistan’s best bowler so far.

• Sidra Ameen – Reliable run accumulator.

• Jess Kerr – Effective new-ball bowler.

Possible Captain Choices: Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr
Possible Vice-Captain Choices: Sana Fatima, Brooke Halliday

Pre-Match Predictions

Final Word

New Zealand enter this clash as clear favorites, thanks to their stronger batting depth and more experienced lineup. Pakistan’s bowling, led by Sana Fatima and Diana Baig, will need to fire collectively to cause an upset.

If the Kiwi top order clicks, expect New Zealand Women to secure their second win of the tournament and strengthen their semi-final push.

Prediction: 🏆 New Zealand Women to win by 60–80 runs.