An incredible performance that will go down in the history of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 was put on by Australian pacer Kim Garth, who tore the heart out of Pakistan’s batting lineup with a vicious, game-winning spell. In a match where Beth Mooney‘s outstanding century and Alana King’s spectacular cameo saved the Australian batting, Garth’s new-ball skill was the key to the defending champions’ decisive 107-run victory.
The Bowling Masterclass: An Enchantment of Complete Control
With six overs, one maiden, fourteen runs, three wickets, and an economy of 2.33, Kim Garth’s bowling statistics demonstrate his utter dominance. These serve as a blueprint for breaking down a batting order and are more than just statistics. Garth made sure Pakistan’s pursuit of a competitive 222-run target was over nearly before it started by playing with perfect control and getting just enough seam movement out of the pitch at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
She kept the ball in the channel of uncertainty during her spell, which was a master class in new-ball bowling, forcing the batters to make awkward defensive strokes or launch premature attacks. With Megan Schutt at the other end providing outstanding support, her pressure-cooker bowling swiftly put Pakistan in a vulnerable position of 31/5 within the first nine overs, essentially ending any chance of a successful chase.
Kim Garth Vs Pakistan Women’s Batter
Sadaf Shamas (5 runs off 10 balls): Garth removed opener Sadaf Shamas in her second over, marking her first breakthrough. Following a successful review, wicket-keeper Alyssa Healy brilliantly pouched the pacer’s flawless line-and-length delivery that found a faint outside edge. It was the initial blow in a swift collapse.
Sidra Nawaz (5 runs off 5 balls): The pace bowler’s late movement took wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz by surprise. Earlier, Nawaz had dismissed Garth herself with lightning-fast glovework. The Pakistan chase was in ruins at 29/3 after Nawaz, who was trying to break the shackles, was caught behind by Alyssa Healy and left for a quick five.
Eyman Fatima (0 runs off 3 balls): Garth sent rookie Eyman Fatima back to the pavilion for a three-ball duck to complete her outstanding trio. As Garth hit the stumps with a full delivery, rattling the woodwork and sending a strong message of Australian dominance, the batter, trying a wild slog, was beaten all ends up.
Garth’s quick dismissal of Shamas, Nawaz, and Fatima effectively made the target unbeatable and paved the way for Australia’s triumphant 107-run victory, their second of the tournament.
Kim Garth With The Bat
Although her bowling was the main attraction, Garth’s batsmanship was equally important, albeit subtle. She joined centurion Beth Mooney in the crease to help steady the ship as Australia was in severe trouble at 76/7. Her unwavering fortitude, which allowed her to score 11 runs off 47 balls at a strike rate of 23.40, gave Mooney the encouragement he needed.
This tenacious 39-run, eighth-wicket partnership was a psychological triumph that made Australia surpass 100 runs and frustrated the Pakistani bowlers. Despite being dismissed by Sidra Nawaz off Diana Baig, her tenacious stay at the crease set the stage for the subsequent record-breaking 106-run partnership between Mooney and Alana King, which transformed a disastrous innings into a manageable total of 221/9.
Conclusion
The value of an all-round player was fully demonstrated by Kim Garth’s performance against Pakistan. Although her team’s comeback was largely fueled by her resolute 47-ball vigil with the bat, her opening bowling spell was what really made the difference. She demonstrated that she can completely change a match with speed and accuracy by taking three wickets for just 14 runs, solidifying her status as a real threat in this World Cup.
Driven by Kim Garth’s devastating spell, this resounding victory solidified Australia’s position as a powerful force and left Pakistan reeling from their third straight loss.
Also Read: ICC Women’s ODI WC 2025: Beth Mooney’s Sensational Ton Dismantles Pakistan