In a dramatic twist of fate at the Women’s World Cup in Colombo, England were spared what looked increasingly like a historic upset at the hands of Pakistan — the match was abandoned due to persistent rain just as Pakistan were mounting a serious chase. What had begun as one of Pakistan’s most promising moments in women’s ODI cricket ended in frustration as weather intervened.
At the toss, Pakistan elected to bowl. Their decision was vindicated early as England’s top order imploded. England found themselves reeling at 79 for 7 in the 25th over, with Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Fatima Sana, applying relentless pressure. Sana, supported by Sadia Iqbal, bowled with precision and control, exploiting seam movement and variable bounce to dismantle England’s batting defense.
When play resumed after a rain delay, England did manage some resistance. A valuable partnership between Charlie Dean and Emily Arlott added 54 runs for the ninth wicket, pushing their total to 133/9 in a rain-revised 31-over innings. Still, the damage had been largely done. Their middle order never recovered from Pakistan’s early onslaught.
Using the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method, Pakistan were set a revised target of 113 runs in 31 overs. Their reply began steadily — Muneeba Ali and Omaima Sohail offered a calm start, reaching 34/0 in 6.4 overs before rain returns to haunt them again. Unfortunately for Pakistan, the downpour proved unrelenting, and the match could not be resumed. With Pakistan not having batted the minimum number of overs required for a result, the match was declared no result, and the teams shared the points.
The outcome see England move to seven points, topping the World Cup table on net run rate. For Pakistan, the result was a bitter pill to swallow. They had bowled beautifully and were in control. The collapse they engineered of England’s batting — combined with an assured start to the chase — made the abandonment even more agonizing.
Fatima Sana’s spell was particularly eye-catching. She removed key batters like Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Heather Knight, putting England in a position almost beyond recovery. Iqbal’s spinners further chipped in, sending back Emma Lamb and Sophia Dunkley. Diana Baig also contributed earlier by dismissing Tammy Beaumont with an inswinging delivery that clipped the top of off stump.
On the batting front, England’s collapse of seven wickets for under 40 runs laid bare continued vulnerabilities in their top and middle order. Their lower order resistance salvaged some respectability, but was far from sufficient to shake the momentum Pakistan had.
Pakistan’s openers had shown enough calmness under pressure, and with the target modest by ODI standards, things looked poised for history. Instead, fate intervened. For Pakistan fans and players, the match will be remembered not for what was lost in the field — but for what was taken by forces beyond their control.
While England will breathe a sigh of relief, Pakistan will reflect on what might have been. Their bowlers were exceptional, their top order in the chase showed intent, and they were inches away from an iconic win. On a day when conditions both on and off the field favored their brand of cricket, they were denied the finish — and perhaps a breakthrough moment in women’s international cricket.
12BET Shortlisted for Sportsbook Operator of the Year at SBC Awards 2025