Pakistan’s wait for a maiden ODI win over England continues after relentless rain turned what looked like a famous victory into bitter disappointment. Their ICC Women’s World Cup clash at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday ended in a no-result, leaving both teams with a point apiece.
Chasing a revised target of 113 in 31 overs under the DLS method, Pakistan were off to a flying start at 34 without loss in 6.4 overs when the skies opened up once more. With no respite from the rain, the umpires had no choice but to call off play, much to Pakistan’s dismay.
This marks Pakistan’s third washout of the tournament, severely denting their chances of making the semifinals.
Fatima Sana Shines With Dream Spell
Before the rain drama, it was Fatima Sana who lit up the overcast Colombo skies with a sensational bowling performance. The Pakistan captain, who won the toss and opted to field, justified her decision in style — producing a career-best 4 for 27 that left England reeling.
Today was the day we could beat them… it just wasn’t in our favour. The pitch suited pacers, so I focused on good lengths and hitting the stumps. We bowled really well, but it would have been great to finish the job. The conditions were perfect for our batters too.
Fatima struck early, removing Heather Knight, Amy Jones and Nat Sciver-Brunt, while Diana Baig set the tone by cleaning up Tammy Beaumont. England found themselves tottering at 39 for 4 inside seven overs — a position from which they never fully recovered.
England Stumble Before Late Resistance
England’s middle order offered brief resistance through Emma Lamb and Sophia Dunkley, but Sadia Iqbal (2/16) ended that partnership with a sharp double strike. At 79 for 7, England were staring at their lowest total of the tournament when rain interrupted play.
After a lengthy delay, the match was reduced to 31 overs per side. Charlie Dean (33) and Emily Arlott (21) fought hard in a 46-run eighth-wicket stand, steering England to a modest 133 for 9.
Pakistan bowled brilliantly and made it hard for us to get into the game. It was seaming a lot, and we didn’t adapt well enough. Credit to Charlie and Emily for giving us a chance, but we’ll need to be better in Indore.
Bright Start, Cruel End
With the revised target of 113, Pakistan began confidently through Muneeba Ali (9)* and *Omaima Sohail (19)**, both playing positively before rain intervened again. Just as Pakistan looked set to chase down the modest total, the weather had the final say.
For Pakistan, the result was as frustrating as it was familiar — another promising performance curtailed by circumstances beyond their control.
We’ll sit and chat about what we can improve. Our bowling has been excellent; now we just need our batting to click when we get the chance.
Brief Scores: England 133/9 in 31 overs (Charlie Dean 33, Heather Knight 18; Fatima Sana 4/27, Sadia Iqbal 2/16) Pakistan 34/0 in 6.4 overs (Muneeba Ali 9*, Omaima Sohail 19*) Match: No result
