Rain washes out Pakistan vs England clash after dominant bowling display in Colombo
Colombo: The 16th match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 between England Women and Pakistan Women at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday was abandoned due to persistent rain.
Pakistan appeared well on course for a memorable win after reducing England to 79/7 and later reaching 34/0 in their chase before the weather intervened.
Earlier, rain had already shortened the contest to 31 overs per side after Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl. England struggled against a fiery Pakistani attack, eventually posting 133/9. Under the DLS method, Pakistan were set a revised target of 113 runs. However, just as their openers provided a steady start, rain returned and play was eventually called off.
Fatima Sana starred with the ball, delivering an exceptional spell of 4/27, while Sadia Iqbal chipped in with two key wickets. Diana Baig and Rameen Shamim also kept the pressure on with disciplined bowling.
England’s lower order offered some resistance, as Charlie Dean and Emily Arlott added a crucial 47-run stand for the ninth wicket, helping their side cross the 130-run mark.
Earlier in the innings, Diana Baig gave Pakistan the perfect start by bowling Tammy Beaumont in the second over. Fatima Sana then ripped through England’s middle order, dismissing Amy Jones, Natalie Sciver-Brunt, and Heather Knight in quick succession. Sciver-Brunt was bowled off an inside edge, while Knight fell LBW to a sharp inswinger.
Sadia Iqbal and Rameen Shamim continued the damage, removing Emma Lamb, Sophie Dunkley, and Alice Capsey as England’s collapse deepened.
Pakistan, who remain at the bottom of the points table, will next face New Zealand on October 18, while England—currently table-toppers—take on India on October 19.
Brief Scores:
England Women: 133/9 in 31 overs (Charlie Dean 33, Heather Knight 18; Fatima Sana 4/27)
Pakistan Women: 34/0 in 6.4 overs (Omaima Sohail 19*, Muneeba Ali 9*; Emily Arlott 0/10)
