Pakistan’s hopes of opening their account at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 face another stern test as they meet a dominant England outfit in Colombo on Wednesday. Fatima Sana’s side, still without a win in the tournament, will need to produce something special to stop an England team firing on all cylinders and chasing top spot once again.
With Australia’s earlier washout against Sri Lanka creating a brief opening at the top of the table, England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt’s side has the opportunity to reclaim first place by extending their unbeaten streak to four matches.
Sciver-Brunt Leads by Example
Sciver-Brunt remains the heartbeat of England’s campaign. Her record fifth World Cup century against Sri Lanka showcased her consistency and composure under pressure, underlining why she’s one of the most feared batters in women’s cricket. Against Pakistan, her record is equally imposing — an average of 92.33 in ODIs speaks volumes about the challenge the bowlers face.
Rising star Alice Capsey praised her captain’s influence both on and off the field.
“Watching her innings against Sri Lanka was incredible,” Capsey said ahead of the Pakistan clash. “She’s been open about her approach, which has really helped the rest of us understand her mindset. We’re trying to absorb as much as we can and go into each game with better clarity and plans.”
England’s batting unit, buoyed by Sciver-Brunt’s form and Capsey’s emerging confidence on her maiden World Cup tour, looks well-prepared to tackle Pakistan’s spinners on subcontinental pitches.
Pakistan Seek Stability and Belief
For Pakistan, the struggle has largely come with the bat. Despite moments of resilience, the side has yet to cross the 160-run mark in the tournament. Sidra Amin has shown glimpses of form with 116 runs across three innings, but the rest of the batting lineup has failed to build on starts.
Bowler Syeda Aroob Shah, who could return to the XI, insisted the team remains united in its approach.
“We’ve discussed our mistakes and areas to improve,” she told reporters. “But the combination we’ve been playing with is the same one that helped us win in the qualifiers and the South Africa series.”
Pakistan are expected to rely heavily on their spin attack, featuring Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu, to unsettle England’s power-packed lineup. Aroob believes spin remains their biggest strength.
“As a spin group, we’re confident. If we can restrict England below 200 or post a total above 200 ourselves, we have a real chance,” she added.
The Road Ahead
While England look set to tighten their grip on the standings, Pakistan’s challenge is as much mental as it is tactical. A breakthrough win could turn their campaign around, but to do that, they must overcome one of the tournament’s most balanced and confident teams.
With contrasting momentum on both sides, Wednesday’s clash could prove decisive for Pakistan’s World Cup hopes — and another chance for Sciver-Brunt to reinforce England’s title credentials.