The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 journey of Pakistan came to a heartbreaking halt on Wednesday after their must-win clash against England was washed out due to persistent rain at the R Premadasa Stadium.
It was a cruel twist for the Green Shirts, who were in a strong position at 33 for no loss in six overs, chasing a revised target of 113, when the heavens opened once again. As the rain grew heavier, hopes of resumption faded, and eventually, the umpires had no choice but to call the game off.
No reserve day, no luck for Pakistan
With no reserve days allocated for the league stage, both teams were forced to share a point each. For Pakistan, it was their first point of the tournament, but not the one they desperately needed.
They now sit at the bottom of the table with just one point from four matches, meaning their semi-final hopes are officially over. England, meanwhile, continue to top the standings with seven points from as many games, edging ahead of Australia on net run rate.
It was also the second consecutive washout at the R Premadasa Stadium, further dampening what had shaped up to be a thrilling contest.
Fatima Sana leads from the front
Before the rain took over, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana had produced a spell to remember. The right-arm pacer ripped through England’s batting order, claiming four wickets for just 27 runs in her six overs.
England were left reeling at 78 for 7, before Charlie Dean and Em Arlott steadied things with a 47-run stand for the eighth wicket. Their partnership helped England reach 133 for 9 in 31 overs, giving them something to defend once the rain reduced the match.
Dean top-scored with a patient 33 off 51 balls, showing resilience against a fired-up Pakistan attack. Alongside Fatima’s brilliance, Sadia Iqbal picked up two wickets, while Diana Baig and Rameen Shamim chipped in with one apiece.
Pakistan’s chase cut short
When play resumed after the first rain interruption, Pakistan came out with clear intent. Openers were timing the ball beautifully, and the chase looked comfortably under control at 34 without loss in 6.4 overs.
Then, just as momentum began to build, the rain returned, heavier, steadier, and this time terminal. The players could only watch in frustration as the covers came on and stayed there for good.
Encouraging signs, but tough lessons
For Pakistan, this result stings, not because they were outplayed, but because they weren’t given the chance to finish what they started. Still, there were positives to take away.
Their bowling attack once again punched above its weight. Only a few days earlier, they had Australia tottering at 76 for 7 before losing that match, and now they had England, the table-toppers, in a similar position.
These performances may not show in the points column, but they reflect a side growing in confidence and spirit.
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