ENG W VS PAK W MATCH 16

Right then, that’s a wrap from this rain-affected yet entertaining clash, where Pakistan Women will feel hard done by, but England Women got away with one here. Up next in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, defending champions Australia Women take on a spirited Bangladesh Women side that has earned plenty of praise for their fight and determination this tournament. The match is set for 16th October, Thursday, at 9.30 am GMT at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, India. Don’t forget to tune in early for all the pre-match build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!

Fatima Sana, the skipper of Pakistan Women, expressed her mixed feelings about the match, stating that the pitch was conducive for pacers and her team had a chance to win. She praised Muneeba and Omaima's batting efforts but emphasized the need for improvement in Pakistan's batting department to secure wins in future matches.

England Women captain Nat Sciver-Brunt praised Pakistan's bowling, highlighting Fatima and Diana's impressive performance. She noted that the rain break affected the game, and England struggled to adapt to the seam-friendly conditions. Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for players to replicate their practice in the game and prepare for the next match by assessing conditions and utilizing their skills effectively.

Time to hear from the two captains now...

The Pakistani openers began the chase with real intent, finding boundaries with ease and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Omaima Sohail took the aggressive route while Muneeba Ali played the perfect anchor, as the pair added 33 runs in the revised six-over Powerplay and looked well on track to cruise past the target. But just when things were falling into place, the rain returned to spoil the party. Play stopped at 34/0 in 6.4 overs, and it never resumed. With the points shared, England Women move to the top of the table on a better NRR than Australia, but will have to improve a lot with the big games coming up. While Pakistan open their account, though they’ll surely see this as a missed opportunity to claim a famous first-ever WODI win over England.

Earlier in the game, England Women struggled their way to 133/9 as Pakistan’s bowlers made early inroads. The English batters found it tough to negotiate the in-swingers from the Pakistani skipper, Fatima Sana, who led from the front with a four-wicket haul. Sadia Iqbal also chipped in with two wickets as England slumped to 79/6 before rain interrupted play. After the long delay, England managed to add 54 more runs in the final six overs, courtesy of Charlie Dean’s handy 33 and some support from Em Arlott. With overs reduced due to rain, Pakistan Women were set a revised target of 113 in 31 overs.

Well, well, the official word is in, and this game has been ABANDONED! HEARTBREAK FOR PAKISTAN WOMEN! After a superb bowling effort that had England Women reeling, their hard work has been sadly washed away by the rain. It’s a cruel blow, especially after such a dominant display with the ball. But that’s the challenge of playing in Colombo - when the rain gods decide to intervene, there’s little anyone can do.

UPDATE - 4.29 pm GMT - It's not looking good! The rain continues to fall, and the covers remain on the field. The cut-off time for a 20-over game is 4.44 pm GMT, which is about 15 minutes from now. Also, if we do get back and it is a 20-over contest, the revised target for Pakistan Women will be 79 runs. However, it looks very unlikely, and we are afraid we are moving towards the inevitable here.

UPDATE - 4.18 pm GMT - Colombo's getting pounded by heavy rain once again. England Women might welcome a washout and settle for a point, whereas Pakistan Women will be rooting for a resumption to try and chase down the target.

UPDATE - 4.03 pm GMT - UH-OH! Another rain interruption. Pakistan Women will be gutted to walk off the field as the umpires ask the players to leave the ground due to rain. Pakistan Women are off to a brilliant start chasing 113 as per DLS but another rain interruption and the players leave the field. Muneeba Ali has been watchful for her 9(22) while Omaima Sohail has played flawlessly for her 19(18). It is not pouring down but it is strong enough to halt play.

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

Short of a length and around off, Muneeba Ali cuts it away wide of point. Linsey Smith dives to her right to make a half-stop.

Pitched up and on middle, Muneeba Ali blocks it out.

Good length and on off, nips back in, Muneeba Ali looks to push it away but gets an inside egde onto her pads.

Fuller and on middle and leg, Omaima Sohail clips it to fine leg for a single.

The Powerplay has concluded, allowing Pakistan Women to strategically place four fielders outside the 25-yard circle for the remainder of the innings.

Quicker, short and on leg, Muneeba Ali nudges it to short fine. MAIDEN OVER!

BEAUTY! Flatter, full and around off, grips and turns away, Muneeba Ali has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. Dean is getting some help from the surface and could pose a threat to the batters.