It was supposed to be a historic night for Pakistan in the Women’s World Cup 2025 — but once again, the rain had other ideas. Rain mars Pakistan’s hopes as points were shared with England in Colombo after a dominant bowling performance led by Fatima Sana went in vain. Pakistan had England reeling at 78 for 7 before rain interrupted the game twice, forcing both teams to share the spoils in a no-result encounter.
Pakistan’s bowlers shine as England crumble early
The game began under cloudy skies, but that didn’t stop Pakistan from making a dream start. Rain mars Pakistan’s hopes as points were shared, but before the interruption, the bowlers produced one of their best-ever combined efforts in recent years. Diana Baig struck first, removing England’s opener Tammy Beaumont with a late inswinger that crashed into the stumps. Fatima Sana soon joined the attack, bowling Amy Jones with a perfect nip-backer that sent England tumbling to 22 for 2.
Pakistan were charged up, and their captain Fatima Sana continued to dominate. In her fourth over, she broke England’s backbone by dismissing Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt within four deliveries. Knight dragged one onto her stumps, while Sciver-Brunt was trapped lbw trying to defend a sharp inswinger. The review didn’t save her either. Rain mars Pakistan’s hopes as points from these brilliant spells as the team looked set to secure their first win of the tournament.
England’s middle order offered little resistance. Spinner Sadia Iqbal joined the action, clean-bowling Emma Lamb and tightening Pakistan’s grip on the game. Sophia Dunkley was next to fall, as Pakistan successfully reviewed an lbw decision off a sweep shot. At 60 for 6, Rain mars Pakistan’s hopes as points of a well-deserved victory started to appear inevitable — until the drizzle turned heavier.
Before the first rain break, Nashra Sandhu bowled economically for seven overs, while Rameen Shamim trapped Alice Capsey in front to break a stubborn 70-ball stand. England’s review was wasted again, and Rain mars Pakistan’s hopes as points even though the momentum was fully in Pakistan’s favour.
Rain halts momentum as Pakistan denied a historic win
When the match resumed after nearly four hours of rain, overs were reduced to 31 per side. England had only six overs left to push for a fighting total. Charlie Dean (33) and Em Arlott tried to counterattack, but both fell in quick succession. England finished with just 133 for 9 — a total that seemed far below par. Fatima Sana returned outstanding figures of 4 for 27, while Sadia Iqbal chipped in with 2 for 16. Rain mars Pakistan’s hopes as points despite such a commanding bowling display.
Chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 113, Pakistan’s openers began confidently. Omaima Sohail was particularly aggressive, scoring an unbeaten 19 off 18 balls, while Muneeba Ali played a steady hand at the other end. The pair put on 34 runs without loss in 6.4 overs, giving Pakistan a perfect platform. But once again, the weather gods intervened. Rain mars Pakistan’s hopes as points of a famous win as the second spell of showers ended the match abruptly.
With no further play possible, the umpires had no choice but to call the game off. The players walked back visibly disappointed — especially Fatima Sana, who had delivered a captain’s spell. Rain mars Pakistan’s hopes as points that could have lifted their confidence and standings in the group stage.
The game also highlighted Pakistan’s growing strength in both pace and spin departments. The combination of Fatima Sana’s fiery seamers and Sadia Iqbal’s tight spin left England searching for answers. Yet, Rain mars Pakistan’s hopes as points of showcasing their improved batting depth, as they didn’t get the chance to chase down the modest total.
For England, the washout came as a relief. Their batting collapse raised serious concerns, with only Charlie Dean showing some fight. Rain mars Pakistan’s hopes as points of capitalizing fully on England’s struggles and possibly earning their first-ever Women’s World Cup victory against the English side.
As Pakistan reflects on what could have been, the match will be remembered for their brilliant bowling and unfortunate timing of rain interruptions. The result may read “No Result,” but their intent and energy on the field told a different story.
In the end, Rain mars Pakistan’s hopes as points shared — a recurring theme that continues to haunt their World Cup campaign. Even though victory slipped through their fingers, Pakistan can take pride in how they outplayed England in every department before the rain took over.
Brief Scores:
England: 133/9 in 31 overs (Charlie Dean 33; Fatima Sana 4/27, Sadia Iqbal 2/16)
Pakistan: 34/0 in 6.4 overs (Omaima Sohail 19*, Muneeba Ali 10*)
Result: No result — Rain mars Pakistan’s hopes as points shared once again.
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source: cricbuzz
