The ICC Women`s World Cup 2025/26 delivered another twist of fate in Colombo, where a highly anticipated clash between England Women and Pakistan Women was dramatically halted by torrential rain. What began as a potential upset, with Pakistan’s bowlers dismantling England’s formidable batting lineup, concluded with a “no result,” leaving both teams to ponder what might have been and what lessons were reluctantly learned. For England, it was a reprieve; for Pakistan, a missed opportunity etched in the humid air of Sri Lanka.
England`s Batting Takes a Dive
England, typically a powerhouse in women`s cricket, found themselves in unfamiliar and uncomfortable waters early on. After winning the toss and electing to bat, their innings quickly spiraled into disarray. The absence of key spin and seam bowlers, Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell, due to illness, perhaps unsettled the team`s balance, but it was their top-order batting that truly faltered.
The architects of England`s despair were none other than Pakistan`s sharp bowling attack, spearheaded by their captain, Fatima Sana. Sana delivered a spell of breathtaking precision and aggression, making the ball talk and leaving England`s celebrated batters speechless. Openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones were dismissed within the first three overs, setting a grim precedent. Beaumont fell to a dazzling nip-backer from Diana Baig, while Jones, after a brief flourish, succumbed to another superb delivery from Sana.
The slide continued relentlessly. Star all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, fresh off a century in the previous match, was undone by Sana`s impeccable seam movement, leaving her gloves and the stumps equally rattled. Captain Heather Knight, usually a gritty anchor, survived two early reviews but couldn`t stem the tide of wickets. When England slumped to a precarious 78 for 7, staring down the barrel of an embarrassingly low total, it seemed Pakistan was on the verge of scripting one of the tournament`s biggest narratives.
A Late Stand and a DLS Dilemma
Just as England appeared destined for humiliation, a vital 47-run eighth-wicket partnership emerged between Charlie Dean (33) and Em Arlott (18). Their defiant stand, against the odds, nudged England`s total to a more respectable 133 for 9 in their allotted 31 overs. It was a commendable effort that added a semblance of fight to an otherwise dismal batting performance. Dean, in particular, displayed remarkable composure, expertly finding gaps and rotating the strike to give her side a fighting chance, however slim.
With the DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) method recalculating the target due to rain interruptions, Pakistan was set a revised target of 113 runs in 31 overs. A chase that, on paper, looked entirely achievable.
Pakistan`s Confident Reply Cut Short
Pakistan`s opening pair, Omaima Sohail and Muneeba Ali, stepped onto the field with a clear sense of purpose. They began their chase with confidence, meticulously accumulating runs and showing no signs of buckling under the pressure of chasing against a top-tier team. Sohail, making a comeback to the side, looked particularly assured, easing to 19 off 18 balls. At 34 without loss after 6.4 overs, Pakistan was cruising, “well in control” of the pursuit, and arguably had England on the ropes once more.
Then, the skies opened.
Rain, the Ultimate Match-Spoiler
As heavy showers returned to the R Premadasa Stadium, they brought with them an undeniable sense of anti-climax. After a stoppage lasting nearly four hours, the match was officially abandoned. “No result” flashed on the scoreboards, leaving a bitter taste for Pakistan and a collective sigh of relief for England.
For Pakistan, who have historically struggled against England in ODIs, this was a golden opportunity snatched away by the weather gods. Their bowlers had executed their plans flawlessly, and their batters had started the chase with poise. The tantalizing prospect of a historic victory, or at least a monumental upset, vanished with the fading light and persistent drizzle.
England, on the other hand, received an unexpected lifeline. While the point earned moved them to the top of the table on net run rate, ahead of Australia, it masked significant underlying issues. Their batting vulnerabilities, exposed brutally by Pakistan, remain a serious concern. This “lucky break” serves as a stark reality check, echoing past tournament shortcomings when pressure mounted.
Looking Ahead: Lessons and Lingering Questions
Both teams depart Colombo with a shared point but vastly different takeaways. Pakistan gains a measure of confidence from their dominant performance, particularly Fatima Sana`s outstanding spell, proving they can challenge the best. England, however, must urgently address their batting frailties. Relying on rain to save them from a precarious position is hardly a sustainable strategy for a World Cup campaign.
As the tournament progresses, the memory of this rain-affected encounter will linger. Was it a mere blip for England, or a warning of deeper systemic issues? For Pakistan, was it the spark of a new, more competitive era, cruelly extinguished, or a sign of battles yet to be won? Only time, and perhaps a clearer forecast, will tell.
