It was another day where Pakistan’s bowlers stole the spotlight, channelling the frustration of its loss to Australia into a ruthless showing. But despite its valiant efforts, untimely rains had the final say, forcing a second consecutive washout at the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 here.
The ominous dark clouds had the best seat in the house to witness the drama that unfolded at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday. The handful of spectators watched Pakistan run the show before they were whisked away by prolonged showers.
HIGHLIGHTS: ENG-W vs PAK-W Highlights, Women’s World Cup 2025: Rain washes out fixture, ruins Pakistan’s chance of first-ever win against England in ODIs
A baffled England fell victim to the ferocity of Pakistan’s pace attack after being asked to bat. Skipper Fatima Sana led the charge with lethal inswingers that wrecked the potent batting lineup. Amy Jones and Nat Sciver-Brunt were undone by sharp nipbackers after Diana Baig had sent Tammy Beaumont back.
Heather Knight, having survived two close calls via reviews, couldn’t escape a third. By the 25th over, England was reeling at 79 for seven, when rains came as a blessing in disguise for the four-time champion.
England’s tactical errors
If the plan was to weather the storm of pace before tackling spin, it backfired spectacularly.
England, shell-shocked during the PowerPlay, barely rotated strike — 36 of the first 54 runs came in boundaries, and its first single didn’t arrive until the fourth over.
When the dangerous left-arm orthodox pair of Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu was brought on, England was already in trouble. Iqbal struck in her second delivery, skittling Emma Lamb with an arm ball. Sophia Dunkley followed soon after, trapped leg before playing a premeditated sweep too late, while Alice Capsey fell similarly.
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No one stayed long enough to attempt a recovery, and England’s innings steadily unravelled under relentless pressure from Pakistan. The nearly four-hour-long delay meant that, when the covers finally came off, the damp pitch slowed down further and offered uneven bounce.
However, Charlie Dean and debutant Em Arlott transcended the tricky conditions by swinging hard to gather easy runs. Their 47-run eighth-wicket partnership was comfortably England’s highest of the innings, but the response came far too late.
Pakistan, eyeing a historic win against England, began its chase of a DLS-adjusted 113 in 31 overs in style. Openers Omaima Sohail and Muneeba Ali added 34 runs in as many balls before the rain returned, and never stopped.
Significantly short of the 20-over mark needed to constitute a game, the match was called off, with both teams sharing the spoils. England will leave the Sri Lankan capital with a quiet sigh of relief, its unbeaten run intact and a gruesome reality check in hand. For Pakistan, however, a breakthrough victory slipped away, leaving the promise of what might have been hanging in the air.
Published on Oct 15, 2025
