Colombo, 15 October 2025: Pakistan women produced a spirited bowling performance to restrict England to 133 for nine before persistent rain forced a no-result in their fourth ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 fixture at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday evening.
Pakistan will now take on New Zealand at the same venue on Saturday, 18 October.
After Pakistan captain Fatima Sana won the toss and opted to field first, the new-ball attack made early inroads to put England under pressure. Diana Baig provided the perfect start by dismissing Tammy Beaumont in the second over, while Fatima struck twice in quick succession to remove wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones and England captain Natalie Sciver-Brunt.
Fatima continued her outstanding spell, accounting for Heather Knight (18, 17b, 4x4s) to leave England 39 for four in 6.4 overs. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal then dismissed Emma Lamb and Sophie Dunkley to put England under immense pressure at 57 for six in 11.3 overs.
Rameen Shamim added to the tally by removing Alice Capsey (16, 43b, 2x4s) as England slipped to 78 for seven in 23.1 overs. A rain interruption midway through the innings reduced the contest to 31 overs per side. After play resumed, England recovered slightly through a 47-run eighth-wicket partnership between Charlie Dean and Emily Arlott to post 133 for nine. Under the DLS method, Pakistan were set a revised target of 113 runs from 31 overs.
For Pakistan, Fatima bagged four wickets for 27 runs, while Sadia took two wickets for 16 runs.
In reply, Pakistan began positively, reaching 34 without loss in 6.4 overs before rain returned. With the downpour persisting, play was eventually abandoned and the points were shared.
Scores in brief:
No result
England 133-9, 31 overs (Charlie Dean 33; Fatima Sana 4-27, Sadia Iqbal 2-16)
Pakistan 34-0, 6.4 overs (Omaima Sohail 19 not out)
