Pakistan’s bowlers dominate before rain washes out play in Colombo; England retain top spot at Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025
Persistent rain had the final say in Colombo as Pakistan’s bid for a breakthrough win at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 was halted midway through their chase against England on Wednesday. Despite a commanding bowling performance that left England reeling, the weather intervened to force a no result at the R. Premadasa International Stadium.
England’s total of 133/9 in a rain-shortened 31-over match had given Pakistan a golden opportunity to open their World Cup account with a win. Set a revised target of 113 under DLS, Pakistan were cruising at 34 without loss in seven overs when a fresh downpour ended any hopes of a result.
The washout moved England to seven points from four games, level with Australia at the top of the standings. Pakistan, meanwhile, finally earned their first point of the tournament but remain winless and anchored to the bottom of the table.
Sana and Iqbal Shine as Pakistan Rip Through England’s Line-Up
Before the skies opened, it was Pakistan’s bowlers who stole the show. Fatima Sana delivered a sensational spell of 4 for 27, dismantling England’s top order with pace and precision. Sadia Iqbal (2/16) provided perfect support, while Diana Baig and Rameen Shamim chipped in with a wicket apiece to leave England reeling at 79/7 inside 25 overs.
Diana Baig gave Pakistan the perfect start, cleaning up Tammy Beaumont in just the second over. Sana then turned the momentum into a full-blown collapse, dismissing Amy Jones with a beautiful inswinger before striking twice in one over to remove Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight in quick succession.
Sciver-Brunt chopped onto her stumps while attempting a late cut, and Knight followed soon after — trapped plumb in front by another sharp inswinger.
Iqbal then took over, bowling Emma Lamb with a turning delivery that clipped the top of off-stump before removing Sophie Dunkley through a successful LBW review. Dunkley’s attempted sweep missed completely, and ball tracking confirmed all three reds.
Rameen Shamim piled on the pressure, trapping Alice Capsey LBW as England slumped deeper into trouble.
Dean and Arlott Lead England’s Late Recovery
Just as it looked like England might fold under 100, Charlie Dean and Emily Arlott came to the rescue. Their 47-run partnership for the ninth wicket added much-needed resistance and frustration for Pakistan’s bowlers before both fell in the closing overs.
Even so, the total of 133 looked well within Pakistan’s reach on a surface that had offered little help for seamers under overcast skies — until rain returned to ruin their chase.
What’s Next
The no-result keeps the group dynamics tight as the tournament enters a decisive phase. Pakistan will look to convert their momentum into victory when they face New Zealand on October 18, while England shift their focus to a marquee clash against India on October 19 — a fixture that could shape the top of the table.
For Pakistan, the performance offered hope — even if the scoreboard didn’t reflect it. Their disciplined bowling and newfound confidence suggest a team beginning to believe again.