Rain ends Pakistan’s world cup hopes as England clash abandoned in Colombo

Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 came to a heartbreaking end on Wednesday after their must-win clash against England was abandoned due to persistent rain at the R. Premadasa Stadium, despite a spirited all-round effort led by captain Fatima Sana.

Chasing a revised target of 113 in 31 overs, Pakistan were comfortably placed at 33 without loss in six overs when rain halted play.

The showers intensified over time, leaving no possibility of resumption and ultimately leading to the match being called off.

With no reserve days allocated for league-stage fixtures, both teams were awarded one point each.

The result left Pakistan at the bottom of the group standings with just one point from four matches, ending their hopes of reaching the semi-finals. England, meanwhile, retained their top position with seven points from as many games.

The abandonment brought down the curtain on what had been a promising day for Pakistan.

Earlier, after being asked to field first in the rain-shortened 31-over game, the Green Shirts restricted England to 133/9.

Charlie Dean top-scored for the defending champions with 33 off 51 balls, while Pakistan’s bowlers delivered one of their best collective performances of the tournament.

Captain Fatima Sana led from the front, returning 4 for 27 in six overs, while Sadia Iqbal chipped in with two wickets and Diana Baig and Rameen Shamim claimed one apiece.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Fatima expressed deep disappointment over the abandonment, believing that her team had been well-placed to secure a famous win.

“Today was the day we could beat them... it was not in our favour,” said the 23-year-old all-rounder.

Fatima explained that she had focused on targeting the stumps with consistent length deliveries, adapting her strategy to the conditions at the Premadasa pitch.

“We know this pitch is good for pacers. I saw a lot of performances here before. I tried to bowl on a good length and for the stumps. But it would have been good if we’d won the match,” she added.
The skipper also noted that the conditions had been ideal for Pakistan’s batting lineup, which had made a steady start before the weather turned against them.

“The pitch was helping our batters. We started well, 33 for no loss, and the target was achievable. But we need to keep improving our batting unit,” she remarked.
Now, Pakistan will aim to finish their campaign on a high when they face New Zealand at the same venue on Saturday, while England will take on co-hosts India in Indore on Sunday.