COLOMBO, October 16, 2025: Pakistan’s quest for its first win at the Women’s World Cup was cut short by rain as its group-stage clash against England was abandoned at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday, handing both teams a point each.
Chasing a revised target of 113 in 31 overs, Pakistan were well poised at 34 without loss in 6.4 overs when rain returned, forcing officials to call off the match. It was a frustrating end for Pakistan, who had dominated proceedings from the start.
Skipper Fatima Sana produced a standout performance with the ball, claiming 4-27, including three key top-order wickets — Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Heather Knight — as England were restricted to 133-9 in their reduced innings.
Both teams observed a moment of silence to pay their respects following the passing of the father of Pakistan’s #CWC25 squad member Shawaal Zulfiqar. pic.twitter.com/rRxAjYKg91
— ICC (@ICC) October 15, 2025
Earlier, Diana Baig set the tone with a dream delivery to bowl Tammy Beaumont, rattling her off-stump after a nervous start with a no-ball. Fatima then dismantled England’s middle order with her sharp inswingers, reducing the opposition to 39-4 by the seventh over.
Pakistan’s spinners continued the pressure, with Rameen Shamim dismissing Alice Capsey after a dropped chance. England limped to 79-7 before rain halted play midway through the innings.
After a lengthy delay, the match resumed with a revised format, but England could only push their total past 100 thanks to a few late blows from Charlie Dean, who also fell to Fatima.
Pakistan have made a habit of troubling the big guns at #CWC25 🔥
Check out the broadcast details ➡️ https://t.co/MNSEqhJhcB pic.twitter.com/NaQ41NVaEL
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 15, 2025
In reply, Pakistan’s openers began confidently. Muneeba Ali found the boundary early, while Omaima Sohail, returning to the side, looked fluent before rain intervened once more.
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The match also observed a minute of silence in honour of Shawaal Zulfiqar’s father, who passed away earlier this week. The PCB confirmed she would remain with the squad during the tournament.
Despite the shared points, the result leaves Pakistan with only a slim chance of reaching the semi-finals after three previous defeats.
