In 2012, Australia lifted the T20 World Cup title, beating England in the final at the R. Premadasa Stadium here. Under a breezy sky embellished with the odd cloud here and there and a healthy crowd watching, the women in Green and Gold defended their World T20 crown.
13 years later, memories are a bit hazy for a now experienced Ellyse Perry, who has incidentally featured for the nation in every World Cup in both white ball formats since her debut in 2007.
“When you come back to a place you've been before, there are certain memories. Alyssa (Healy) and I [the two players left from that squad in this tournament] We were talking about it recently. It's also amazing to see how far things have come since then,” she told reporters ahead of Australia's Women's ODI World Cup 2025 League Stage match against Pakistan on Wednesday.
She gushed about how far the game has come, especially with the solidification of franchise leagues around the world.
“There is so much competition in the global landscape now. The advent of franchise leagues around the world has just grown the depth of women's cricket. It's a huge challenge for us. There are so many good teams, but I also think that's why you want to play. The challenges that are available now are really exciting,” she added.
However, nostalgia will take a backseat as Australia's previous fixture against Sri Lanka at this venue was postponed a few days ago without a ball being bent. The side was keenly watching the India vs Pakistan game that unfolded on this surface on Sunday, with the low and slow premadasa trip testing both sides in abundance.
“We had to look at the conditions the other night with the India-Pakistan game. Probably hasn't changed too much from how we were thinking recently when we were hoping to play. But we've had a chance to prepare quite well, three sessions to prepare ourselves for what we'll encounter. It was a good opportunity for us.”
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The wicket here has not shown a capacity for big totals so far, something that the Australian side has made its hallmark in the format.
“We are very fortunate to have some depth in the batting group. We have discussed how to use that depth in different situations. We will all go out with the same approach, and that is really positive, but also adapting to what the game presents, whether that is conditions or the opposition.
The fixture will also see Perry opposite long-time fan in Pakistan Skipper Fatima Sana. In a video shared by Cricket Australia in 2023, the cherubic all-rounder was seen nervously approaching Jess Jonassen to help her meet her idol Perry.
“When I was 11, she won the World Cup for Australia,” she then gushed to Shifty. The video then cuts to Fatima throwing every possible question at her role model. Perry quickly boarded the Pakistan.
“She's a great player. A real talisman for the side. I really enjoy seeing how much passion and energy she plays, and she's also clearly a great teammate. You can see how much she supports and celebrates all her teammates. She's also incredibly talented.
Published on October 8, 2025
