Rain interrupted a strongly contested Women’s Cricket World Cup game between England and Pakistan in Colombo today, forcing an abandonment just as Pakistan seemed on the edge of revelation. England, sent in to bat first, found themselves in deep trouble courtesy of disciplined bowling by Pakistan’s pace attack. At 79 for 7 early dismissals, England was reeling before a determined lower-order rally brought their total to 133 for 9 in a rain-shortened 31-over innings.
Fatima Sana of Pakistan led the campaign, taking 4 wickets for 27 runs, the greatest bowling statistics ever achieved by a Pakistani woman versus England. Pakistan started their pursuit with a deliberate aim when play restarted, cruising to 34 without loss in 6.4 overs in pursuit of a lowered goal of 113 runs under DLS regulations. But the heavens had other ideas: more precipitation stopped the process before the 20-over threshold for a legitimate result might be achieved.
Each team, hence earned one point. Superior net run rate over Australia allowed England to recover the top spot on the World Cup table. England women’s captain Nat Sciver-Brunt noted her team’s batting difficulties against Pakistan’s probing bowling in post-match comments, admitting there were few bright spots to hold on. Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Sana lamented the interruption, noting her side had proved they might challenge England but adding, “the rain was not in our favor.”
Pakistan’s hopes of getting a first-ever women’s ODI victory over England, a goal that appeared so close until nature struck, were dashed by the abandonment. Still, the performance confirmed that they are no longer simple opponents, especially when seamers are favored by conditions. For England, the escape is a reminder that their hitters cannot afford more blunders. The game will be mainly remembered as a bittersweet “what if” moment when desire, talent, and the elements collided in equal measures, not for a victorious team.