Women's World Cup: Rain forces abandonment of Pakistan-England clash

• Pakistan reach 33/0 in chase before rain stopped play.
• Sana shines with four wickets in reduced-overs contest.
• Pakistan to face NZ next; England meet India on Sunday.
  

Pakistan were denied a potential historic win against England after persistent rain forced the abandonment of their ICC Women's World Cup 2025 clash at the R Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday.

The Green Shirts, chasing a revised target of 113 from 31 overs, were comfortably placed at 33/0 in six overs when the rain intervened. It became steady with time and ultimately resulted in the abandonment of the must-win fixture for Pakistan.

Since no reserve days are allocated for the league-stage fixtures, the two teams shared a point apiece. Consequently, Pakistan remained at the bottom of the standings with just one point in four matches, while England managed to hold on to the top spot with seven points in as many games.

The abandonment of the fixture severely reduced Pakistan’s hopes to qualify for the semi-finals, as they can now attain a maximum of seven points by winning all three of their remaining fixtures and would certain results to go in their favour to secure a miraculous entry into the Final Four.

Despite being out of the semi-final contention, Pakistan next face another former champions, New Zealand, at the same venue on Saturday, while England’s next match is scheduled against co-hosts India in Indore on Sunday.

Put into bat first, the former champions managed to accumulate 133/9 in the reduced 31 overs.

Bowling all-rounder Charlie Dean remained the top-scorer for England with a cautious 33 off 51 deliveries, laced with three boundaries.

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana led the bowling charge for Pakistan with four wickets for just 27 runs in her six overs. She was supported by Sadia Iqbal, who bagged two, while Diana Baig and Rameen Shamim made one scalp apiece.