PAK W VS SL W MATCH 25

So, we move on! The next clash, and what a blockbuster it promises to be, sees Australia Women take on South Africa Women in Indore on Saturday, 25th October, in Match no. 26th of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Two powerhouses, one grand stage, and all to play for that first spot of the points table. The first ball will be bowled at 9.30 am GMT, but join us early for the pre-match build-up and analysis. Until then, breathe and smile! TAKE CARE! CIAO!

The skipper of Sri Lanka Women, Chamari Athapaththu, says that she tries to control what she can control, and while the expectations were high coming into the World Cup, things just didn’t go their way in the first few games. Admits they made too many mistakes across departments - batting, bowling, and fielding - but insists that the focus now is on learning and moving forward. Talking about the team’s blend of youth and experience, Chamari says that the senior players guide the youngsters, and as captain, she encourages everyone to play positive and fearless cricket. Points out that Sri Lanka’s domestic structure is improving, with players now getting more game time back home, which will help them get stronger collectively. On where Sri Lanka stands compared to the top sides, she says they’ve beaten teams like England, South Africa, and New Zealand in recent months, proving they are not far behind. However, Chamari emphasises the need to improve their batting and reduce mistakes, adding that patience and consistency are key if they want to compete regularly with the best. When asked about her future, she says that she still has a few more years left in her and wants to help build the next generation of Sri Lankan cricket. Signs off by saying these have been tough conditions, with rain and lights playing a part, but the team remains hopeful and determined to end on a strong note.

Pakistan Women's Captain, Fatima Sana, reflects on their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign, highlighting strengths in bowling and fielding while acknowledging batting shortcomings. As one of the youngest captains in the tournament, she gained valuable experience, though she wishes that the ICC had arranged more venues to mitigate weather disruptions. With the T20 World Cup looming, Sana emphasises the need for more cricket to prepare, awaiting the Pakistan Cricket Board's plans for the upcoming series and training camps.

Time to hear from both skippers now...

Before the skies turned traitor, we did have a short burst of cricket - just 4.2 overs to be exact! Pakistan managed 18 for no loss, with Muneeba Ali on 7 and Omaima Sohail on 9. There was intent, there was energy, but not enough overs. Sri Lanka’s new-ball pair - Malki Madara and Sugandika Kumari - bowled tight lines, keeping the batters watchful early on. The Powerplay was supposed to be seven overs - a shortened one in a rescheduled 34-overs contest, but the clouds had other plans. The game of hide-and-seek continued for hours, with blue sheets going on and off, the super soppers working overtime, and the crowd waiting patiently for a miracle that never arrived. In the end, even the best efforts of the ground staff couldn’t outplay Mother Nature.

OKAY, THE INEVITABLE IS HERE - MATCH HAS BEEN ABANDONED! And just like that… the handshakes say it all. The inevitable has happened in Colombo - the 5th time in this tournament, and the rain has won. Again. The umpires had their final inspection, both captains had a word, and the verdict was simple - no more play possible. The match between Pakistan Women and Sri Lanka Women has been officially abandoned due to wet ground conditions. What began as a day full of hope, with covers peeling off and the crowd cheering for a start, ended with drenched spirits and soggy outfields. Both teams walk away sharing points - both heartbroken.

UPDATE - 2.18 pm GMT - Mmmm... Another inspection is on the cards, as the on-field umpires will walk out at a scheduled time - 2.20 pm GMT. Okay, here they are, trying to find out and having a chat with the head of the groundstaff along with the fourth umpire. Though the covers are still placed, the clouds are looming over the ground. Both the on-field umpires are having a discussion with both skippers beside the boundary cushions. Let's see what we get to hear next.

UPDATE - 2.06 pm GMT - Aha! Again, there is some good news as the rain seems to have eased out for the umpeenth time and the groundstaff are inside the field for their mop-up work. Let's hope that the rain stays away, as we can't afford any more interruptions. The cut-off time is less than one hour now from this point, so fingers crossed. There are some covers getting peeled off, while the super soppers are in their full swing to dry out the ground. Let's wait for the official word!

UPDATE - 1.39 pm GMT - ERMMMMMM..... The game of hide and seek continues, and who has made their entry again? Guess... RAIN! The ground is getting covered again, and there comes a thought for the hard-working groundstaff, who are working all their strength. It seems that the drizzle is light, but it has forced them to bring back those big blue sheets to cover the entire playing area. Be with us for more updates!

UPDATE - 1.31 pm GMT - Some respite, as the rain seems to have stopped and the covers are getting peeled off gradually. The groundstaff are working very hard to dry out the ground as the super soppers are rolling across the playing field as well. The match will be further chopped down - let's see how many more overs will be cut down. The target for Sri Lanka Women will be adjusted through DLS.

UPDATE - 1.22 pm GMT - The rain still continues to pour, and Alan Wilkins has informed on-air that the cut-off time for a 20-overs-per-side is 3.03 pm GMT. For now, the covers are placed all over the ground, and things look gloomy. Let's hope for the best. Stick around for more updates.

UPDATE - 1.03 pm GMT - Uh... Oh! The rain has arrived, and both umpires have decided to call off the play for now. The players are walking off, but Chamari Athapaththu doesn't want to as she is standing there, waiting for the rain to slow down. It is literally pelting down. This is going to be another long delay. The big blue sheets have been placed all over the ground, and everything is covered. Strap in for more updates!

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

On a length wide of off, Omaima Sohail steps towards the pitch of it and goes for the drive on the front foot. Gets an inside edge past her off-stump for a single towards the fine leg region.

Good length on middle and off, Omaima Sohail blocks this one.

Quicker one on off, Muneeba Ali defends this out.

WIDE! Full and way too wide outside off, Muneeba Ali leaves it. Wided.

Straight one, on middle and leg, Omaima Sohail thumps this past the bowler, to her right for a single. Muneeba Ali was caught ball watching for a moment, but a loud call of RUN from her partner saved a mix-up as the batters crossed over.