England narrowly avoided a major shock as their Women’s World Cup clash against Pakistan on Wednesday at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo was abandoned due to rain.
Pakistan came agonizingly close to securing their first-ever ODI win over England in their 16th encounter since 1997, but weather intervened before a result could be achieved.
Despite the washout, Pakistan earned a solitary point, leaving them at the bottom of the points table with a net run rate of -1.887. England, meanwhile, reclaimed the top spot with a superior net run rate of +1.864, edging past Australia’s 1.353. However, the English team will have to address inconsistencies in their batting as they prepare to face India on Sunday in Indore.
Fatima Sana shines for Pakistan
Pakistan’s bowlers dominated England’s innings, despite interruptions from rain. Diana Baig struck early by dismissing Tammy Beaumont, but it was Fatima Sana who led the attack. She removed Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and former England captain Heather Knight, leaving England reeling at 39 for four in just 6.4 overs. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal added to England’s woes, taking the wickets of Sophia Dunkley and Emma Lamb, while Rameen Shamim dismissed Alice Capsey.
At 79 for seven in 25 overs, heavy rain halted play. When the match resumed at 8:30 PM, Charlie Dean (33) and Emily Arlott (18) staged a fightback with a 47-run partnership for the eighth wicket in 41 balls, helping England post 133 in 31 overs. Arlott’s run-out ended the partnership, and Fatima Sana claimed Dean’s wicket as well, finishing with exceptional figures of 6-1-27-4. Nashra Sandhu bowled economically, conceding just 12 runs from seven overs, including two maidens.
Rain denies Pakistan victory
Chasing a revised target of 113 in 31 overs, Pakistan looked firmly in control. Muneeba Ali (9*) set the tone early with a boundary off Nat Sciver-Brunt. Omaima Sohail (19*) joined her and added two boundaries off Lauren Smith, keeping Pakistan ahead. By the seventh over, Pakistan had reached 33 without loss and were in a commanding position with all wickets intact.
However, rain returned in the seventh over, halting Pakistan’s progress. With 78 runs required from 24.2 overs and all ten wickets in hand, they were well-placed for what appeared to be a historic win. Unfortunately, persistent weather forced officials to call off the match around 9:56 PM, denying Pakistan a possible maiden victory over England.
England survive, Pakistan rue what could have been, while both sides now look ahead to their upcoming fixtures in the Women’s World Cup 2025.
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