Colombo’s unpredictable weather had the final say once again as the ICC Women’s World Cup encounter between Sri Lanka and Pakistan was abandoned after just 4.2 overs on Friday night at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Persistent showers left the game without a result, forcing both teams to share a point each — the fifth washout of the tournament in Colombo.
The toss had already been delayed by two hours and 45 minutes due to relentless rain. When play eventually began, the match was reduced to a 34-over contest, with Pakistan reaching 18 without loss before the skies opened up again. No further play was possible.
‘We Wait Four Years for This’: Fatima Sana Voices Frustration
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana did not hide her disappointment after yet another rain-marred fixture.
I think the only thing which didn’t go in our favour was the weather. The ICC must arrange three good venues for the World Cup because we wait for four years to play in it.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s overall campaign, she admitted that inconsistency with the bat cost them dearly. “We were very good with our bowling and fielding, but we’re lacking in the batting department. We gave close fights to Australia and England but couldn’t cross the line.”
Learning Curve for Young Captain
At just 22, Fatima is one of the youngest captains in world cricket and sees this World Cup as a learning experience.
I’ve got a lot of learnings from this World Cup. We haven’t played much cricket recently. We need more matches before the T20 World Cup next year. Hopefully, we’ll be ready for that one.
She also revealed how she handles pressure: “Pressure is always there, but I watch Kane Williamson — he lost the World Cup very closely but still keeps smiling. When you’re captaining a losing side, you must stay calm and believe in your team.”
Sharing a lighter moment, Fatima recalled an encounter with a young fan. “Before the national anthems, a little girl told me, ‘Please take my number and call me, I’m your biggest fan.’ It made me laugh — she stood beside me in every match. I really enjoyed her company.”
Chamari Athapaththu: ‘We Focus on What We Can Control’
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu chose to look ahead positively despite another abandoned game.
I try to control what I can control. Expectations are always high when we come to a World Cup. Unfortunately, we lost to India and England after making mistakes with the bat and in the field. But we’re focusing on improving for the future.
She praised the blend of experience and youth in her side. “We have talented young players and experienced seniors who guide them. I always encourage the girls to play positive cricket — that’s my main focus.”
‘We’re Close to the Top Four’
Chamari remains confident about Sri Lanka’s trajectory. “We’ve beaten some top sides recently, including England in England in T20s. On any day, the team that plays its best cricket wins. We just need to improve our batting, especially in the longer format. I feel we’re very close to breaking into the top four.”
I’ve played a couple of World Cups, and I’m looking forward to continuing. Playing under lights and in the rain has been tough, but we’ll keep working and improving.
Colombo’s Wet Spell Finally Ends
Friday’s washout brings an end to Colombo’s rain-hit leg of the tournament. The Sri Lanka-Pakistan fixture joined a growing list of abandoned matches — Sri Lanka vs Australia, Pakistan vs England, Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, and Pakistan vs New Zealand — all cut short by relentless downpours.
The Women’s World Cup now moves to India, where players and fans alike will hope for clear skies and uninterrupted cricket as the tournament enters its final phase.
