NZ-W vs PK-W Match Preview – A crucial encounter in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is set to unfold at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, as a formidable New Zealand Women’s team takes on a determined Pakistan Women’s side on Saturday, October 18th. For the White Ferns, a victory is essential to solidify their position in the race for the semi-finals, while Pakistan will be desperate to cause an upset and keep their tournament hopes alive.
New Zealand enters the contest with a clear historical advantage and a squad brimming with experience and talent. Led by the astute Sophie Devine, the Kiwis possess a powerful batting lineup featuring the likes of Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr, who have consistently performed at the highest level. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by the fiery Lea Tahuhu and the skillful Jess Kerr, offers both pace and variety.
Pakistan, captained by the inspirational Fatima Sana, will be looking to defy the odds. Their batting hopes will largely rest on the shoulders of the consistent Sidra Ameen and the aggressive Muneeba Ali. The bowling unit, featuring the spin of Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal, could prove to be a handful on a potentially spin-friendly Colombo track. However, they will need to be at their absolute best to challenge the depth of the New Zealand side.
NZ-W vs PK-W Match Details
| Match | New Zealand Women vs Pakistan Women |
| Series | ICC Womens World Cup 2025 |
| Time | 18-Oct-2025 03:00 PM |
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium |
| Live Telecast | JioHotstar |
NZ-W vs PK-W Head to Head
New Zealand has overwhelmingly dominated the ODI encounters between the two nations. Out of 17 matches played, the White Ferns have emerged victorious on 15 occasions, while Pakistan has managed only two wins. This lopsided record underscores the challenge that lies ahead for Pakistan.
| Format | Total Matches | New Zealand Women Won | Pakistan Women Won |
| ODI | 17 | 15 | 2 |
NZ-W vs PK-W Pitch Report
The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is known for its balanced wicket, but it traditionally offers more assistance to the spinners as the game wears on. The pitch can be somewhat two-paced, making it crucial for batters to get themselves set before playing expansive strokes. The new ball might offer some initial assistance to the seamers, but the spinners are expected to play a decisive role in the middle overs. Given the nature of the surface, which can slow down, the captain winning the toss will likely opt to bat first to put a competitive total on the board. The average first innings score in ODIs at this venue is around 230-240.
NZ-W vs PK-W Weather Report
The weather in Colombo could play a significant role in the outcome of this match. The forecast for Saturday, October 18th, indicates a high probability of rain throughout the day. “Light rain” is predicted during the afternoon with a 40% chance of precipitation, which is expected to intensify to “rain” with a 75% chance in the evening. The temperature is expected to hover around 29°C. Spectators and players should be prepared for potential interruptions and a possible shortened game, which could bring the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method into play.
NZ-W vs PK-W Possible Playing11
New Zealand Women: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Isabella Gaze (wk), Georgia Plimmer, Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Rosemary Mair
Pakistan Women: Muneeba Ali, Sidra Ameen, Omaima Sohail, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana (c), Sidra Nawaz (wk), Natalia Pervaiz, Syeda-Aroob Shah, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal.
NZ-W vs PK-W Match Prediction
On paper and based on historical data, New Zealand Women are the firm favorites to win this encounter. Their superior batting depth, experienced bowling attack, and outstanding head-to-head record give them a significant edge. Key players like Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, and Suzie Bates are proven match-winners and will be eager to make their mark.
However, Pakistan is a team capable of pulling off surprises. If their spinners can exploit the Colombo conditions effectively and their top-order batters, particularly Sidra Ameen, can provide a solid platform, they could challenge the Kiwis.
The biggest variable remains the weather. A rain-affected match could level the playing field to an extent. Nevertheless, considering the overall strength and consistency, New Zealand is expected to overcome the Pakistani challenge.
Prediction: New Zealand Women to win.
