Rain Stops Pakistan from Securing Historic World Cup Win Over England

Rain denied Pakistan a historic first Women’s World Cup victory over England, washing away hopes of a landmark result after the team’s dominant display left them on the brink of triumph.

Pakistan, still searching for their first win of the tournament, produced one of their finest all-round performances in recent memory before the weather intervened at the P Sara Oval. The match was eventually abandoned, forcing both sides to share points in a result that left Pakistan heartbroken and England relieved.

Pakistan Shine with the Ball

The game was reduced to 31 overs per side after early showers delayed the start, but Pakistan made the most of the conditions. Led by captain Fatima Sana, the bowlers delivered a superb collective effort to restrict England to 133 for nine.

Fatima spearheaded the attack with a fiery spell, taking four wickets for just 27 runs. Her sharp swing and precision unsettled England’s top order, which struggled to cope with the movement under overcast skies. The early breakthrough came from Diana Baig, who bowled Tammy Beaumont with a delivery that nipped back sharply. Fatima then ran through the middle order, dismissing Amy Jones, Heather Knight, and Nat Sciver-Brunt in quick succession as England collapsed to 39 for four.

Pakistan’s spinners maintained pressure throughout the middle overs. Nida Dar and Sadia Iqbal bowled tight lines to ensure England never recovered momentum. When the first spell of rain arrived after 25 overs, England were reeling at 79 for seven, their innings hanging by a thread. On resumption, England’s lower order fought back through Charlie Dean and Emily Arlott, who put together a defiant 47-run stand for the eighth wicket. Their resistance lifted England to 133 for nine — a modest total that still looked insufficient against a confident Pakistan side.

Pakistan’s Promising Chase Interrupted

Set a revised target of 113 under the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method, Pakistan’s openers began brightly. Muneeba Ali and Sidra Ameen played positively, rotating the strike and finding boundaries with ease. The pair took Pakistan to 34 without loss in 6.4 overs, seemingly cruising toward a breakthrough victory. But the weather had other plans. The rain returned, heavier and more persistent than before, forcing the players off the field. After multiple inspections and growing puddles on the outfield, the umpires called off play at 9:58 pm local time.

“It’s disappointing because we were in complete control,” said Pakistan captain Fatima Sana after the match. “We bowled really well and started strongly with the bat. Unfortunately, we can’t control the weather, but this performance gives us a lot of confidence.”

England Escape Defeat

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt admitted her team had been second best on the night. “It was seaming quite a bit and we didn’t adapt quickly enough,” she said. “Pakistan bowled with great discipline and put us under pressure. We were lucky the rain came when it did.”

The washout means England remain unbeaten against Pakistan in Women’s ODIs, extending their record to 17 matches without defeat.

Rain and Frustration in Colombo

The abandonment marked the third rain-affected fixture in Colombo during this World Cup. Earlier, matches involving Australia vs Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka vs New Zealand were also washed out. The persistent weather has reignited debate over scheduling key games during the monsoon season. Despite the frustration, Pakistan’s spirited display was a major positive. Their bowlers executed plans with precision, and their batting start showed growing self-belief. For a side that has long struggled for consistency, this performance was a statement of intent.

“We’re improving with every match,” said Fatima. “The team believes we can beat any opponent if we play with the same energy.”

While the rain stopped Pakistan from making history, their performance in Colombo offered a glimpse of a team ready to rise. Their wait for a first Women’s World Cup win continues — but it may not last much longer if they maintain this momentum.

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