Colombo, Oct 4 (NationPress) The fifth match of the Women’s World Cup 2025, featuring Sri Lanka and Australia, was ultimately called off before the toss could even be conducted due to relentless rain in Colombo. Consequently, both teams were awarded one point each.

Although the cut-off time for declaring the match abandoned was set for 8:08 pm local time, the umpires opted to make the decision nearly three overs ahead of that deadline, taking into account the ongoing rain and the poor condition of the field.

Co-hosts Sri Lanka will likely be pleased to have gained their first point in the rankings after suffering a loss in their opening match against India in Guwahati on September 30. On the other hand, the defending champions Australia maintain their position at the top of the points table, now holding three points from two matches.

The two teams were scheduled to clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday, and their previous match results were quite different. The Lankans opened with a 59-run defeat (DLS method) against the team led by Harmanpreet Kaur, while Alyssa Healy and her teammates secured a convincing 89-run victory over New Zealand.

Despite Australia being favored to win this match as well, the rain intervened, potentially preventing Chamari Athapaththu's squad from enduring a second consecutive defeat.

Historically, Sri Lanka has never managed to defeat Australia in any white-ball matches, with the Women in Yellow boasting an 11-0 record in ODIs and an 8-0 lead in T20Is.

Both teams will remain in Colombo, as the same venue is scheduled to host their upcoming matches. Australia is set to face Pakistan on October 8 at this location, while Sri Lanka will prepare for their next game against England on October 11.

With the abandonment of their match against Australia, Sri Lanka now faces a lengthy 10-day gap before their next game, which could jeopardize their chances against England, who will play against Bangladesh on October 7.

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