In their Women’s World Cup match in Colombo, England’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, collapsing to 68/6 as Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal, exploited early conditions to devastating effect.
England’s innings began to unravel almost from the start. The top order showed signs of trouble against disciplined seam and swing bowling. Tammy Beaumont fell early, struck by a nip-backer, setting the tone for the batting collapse. Amy Jones and Nat Sciver-Brunt were then dismissed in quick succession as Sana steered the attack with precision. Soon after, Heather Knight was adjudged lbw, and Sophia Dunkley and Emma Lamb also lost their wickets to Sadia Iqbal’s left-arm spin, leaving England in disarray at six down inside the powerplay.
The bowling from Pakistan was clinical. Fatima Sana’s seamers, with controlled swing and clever length variations, dismantled England’s techniques and timing. Sadia Iqbal complemented the attack with smart spin, targeting batters’ gaps and offering little scoring relief. Pakistan’s bowlers forced batters into playing against their strengths, pressured them into risky shots, and capitalized on every weakness.
England’s middle order briefly attempted resistance, with Charlie Dean and Em Arlott stitching together a lower-order stand, adding around 47 runs. But it wasn’t enough to fundamentally change the narrative. The early collapse had left too much to do, and Pakistan maintained the upper hand even as rain intervened to cut the match short.
When the innings was reduced to 31 overs by rain, England had limped to 133/9. Their collapse to 68/6 had already given Pakistan the psychological edge, and momentum remained firmly with the bowlers. Pakistan had set 113 as a revised target under DLS rules, with their hopes very much alive.
England’s failure to form meaningful partnerships will be a major concern as the tournament progresses. Their top and middle order — typically the backbone of their batting corps — was exposed under disciplined bowling attack. Many familiar faces failed to find form or timing, while Pakistan’s attack stayed relentless and composed.
Despite the collapse, England managed some degree of survival through lower order fight, but the damage was already done. Pakistan’s bowlers had manufactured critical breakthroughs at key stages, leaving few options for recovery. The collapse also reinforced doubts about England’s depth in batting and their ability to recover in hostile conditions.
This collapse will be examined closely by England’s coaching staff and leadership. It underscores the need for better shot selection, handling early swing, and more resilient partnerships under pressure. Pakistan, meanwhile, will be buoyed by this performance. Their bowlers proved their mettle, exploiting conditions and executing plans to perfection.
While rain eventually spoiled a full finish, England’s collapse to 68/6 will remain a talking point from this match. It highlighted their vulnerabilities and Pakistan’s growing strength in a high-stakes World Cup encounter.
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