Cricket fans are in for a treat on 4 October 2025 with two major matches scheduled on the same day. In the men’s game, New Zealand lock horns with Australia in the final T20I of their series at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. Meanwhile, in the women’s game, Sri Lanka Women take on the mighty Australia Women in a group stage clash of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. With high stakes in both contests, the day promises explosive batting, sharp bowling, and results that could shape the rest of the season.

Match 1: New Zealand vs Australia — Men’s T20I

Venue & Timing

• Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand

• Time: 7:15 PM local time (NZDT) → 11:45 AM IST

Series Context
This is the 3rd and final T20I of Australia’s tour of New Zealand. The series began on 1 October and concludes on 4 October, with all matches played at Bay Oval. Australia currently lead the series after an emphatic performance in the opener.

Last Match Performance
Australia dominated the first game, chasing down 181 runs in style with Mitchell Marsh smashing 85 off just 43 deliveries. Tim David provided a finishing flourish, ensuring a six-wicket win with overs to spare. For New Zealand, Matt Henry impressed with the ball but their attack couldn’t contain the Australian power hitters. The Black Caps’ batting too needs consistency, with their middle order failing to capitalize on starts.

Players to Watch

• Australia: Mitchell Marsh, who has been in explosive form; Tim David for his finishing ability; and Josh Hazlewood’s disciplined pace.

• New Zealand: Matt Henry with the new ball, Kyle Jamieson for height and bounce, and their top three batters who must deliver if they are to level the series.

Match 2: Sri Lanka Women vs Australia Women — ICC Women’s World Cup 

Venue & Timing

• Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka

• Time: 3:00 PM local time → 3:00 PM IST

Tournament Context
This is a group stage fixture in the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Australia, the defending champions, are eyeing another dominant campaign, while Sri Lanka look to make an impact at home.

Last Match Performance
Australia Women have started the World Cup strongly, already registering convincing wins, including a dominant performance over New Zealand earlier in the group stage. Their batting depth, led by Alyssa Healy and Ashleigh Gardner, along with their world-class bowling, makes them favorites in every contest.

Sri Lanka Women, meanwhile, have found it difficult to notch up victories against top opposition but playing at home in Colombo offers them hope. Their spinners could be the X-factor on turning tracks, while the team will rely on experienced campaigners like captain Chamari Athapaththu to provide firepower at the top.

Players to Watch

• Australia Women: Ashleigh Gardner for her all-round brilliance, Alyssa Healy for explosive starts, and Megan Schutt as the pace spearhead.

• Sri Lanka Women: Chamari Athapaththu as the batting talisman, Inoka Ranaweera with her left-arm spin, and the middle order that needs to step up under pressure.

Conclusion

4 October 2025 is set to deliver a cricket double-header filled with excitement and high stakes. At Bay Oval, New Zealand will fight to salvage pride against a dominant Australian side in the final T20I, while Australia look to wrap up the series in style. In Colombo, the Women’s World Cup encounter offers a classic underdog-versus-champion storyline, with Sri Lanka aiming to stun the reigning champions Australia on home turf.

For fans, it’s a day to tune in early and stay glued until night — with two matches that could influence the shape of both a bilateral series and the biggest women’s tournament in cricket.

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