Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal Reflects on Key Learnings Ahead of Final World Cup Clash Against Sri Lanka
As the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 draws to a close, Pakistan faces Sri Lanka in its final league match. This pivotal game takes place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The team, captained by Fatima Sana, aims for a meaningful exit with a victory, having struggled in previous matches.
Sadia Iqbal’s Reflections Ahead of the Final Clash
One shining light for Pakistan has been their bowling attack, particularly spinner Sadia Iqbal. In her first World Cup appearance, Iqbal has made a significant impact, showcasing her skills and determination. “I’ve learned quite a lot. This was a huge event. Unfortunately, we couldn’t perform as well as we wanted, but we have gained invaluable lessons,” she stated before the match.
Preparation and Performance Insights
Iqbal praised the team’s preparations focusing on their spinners. She noted the effective partnership between herself, Fatima, and Diana Baig, who have displayed strong performances with the new ball. “We aimed to build on the momentum they established,” she added.
Sri Lanka’s Confidence Heading Into the Match
Sri Lanka enters this match with a fresh victory against Bangladesh, boosting their confidence. Harshitha Samarwickrama expressed the team’s positive mindset, saying, “After winning the previous match, everyone is well prepared with the same mentality for tomorrow’s game.” The Sri Lankan team hopes to secure a second consecutive win in front of their home crowd.
Player Focus: Harshitha Samarwickrama
During the tournament, Samarwickrama has battled inconsistency, struggling to convert promising starts into substantial scores. “I managed to get a start in three games but couldn’t turn them into bigger scores due to poor shot selection,” she reflected. With adjustments made, she is eager to deliver a strong performance against Pakistan.
- Match: Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka
- Date: October 23, 2025
- Location: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Pakistan Captain: Fatima Sana
- Sri Lanka Key Player: Harshitha Samarwickrama
This final league match stands as a crucial moment for both teams. Pakistan seeks redemption, while Sri Lanka aims to build on its recent success. The outcome will shape the narratives for both sides as they conclude their World Cup journeys.