The 16th match of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 between England Women and Pakistan Women in Colombo ended with no result due to heavy rain. Fatima Sana (4/27 in 6 overs) and Sadia Iqbal (2/16 in 6 overs) produced a dangerous spell that wreaked havoc on England’s batting lineup. England were struggling at 79/7 in 26 overs when rain interrupted play.

After the restart, the match was reduced to 31 overs per side. With composed innings from Charlie Dean and Emily Arlott, England Women managed to reach 133/9 in 31 overs. In reply, Muneeba Ali and Omaima Sohail gave Pakistan Women a solid start. However, when Pakistan were 34/0 in 6.4 overs, rain returned, and the match was eventually called off after the allotted time, with both teams sharing one point each.

Pakistan Shine Before Rain Ends Thriller

Pakistan came close to a famous victory over England before the Colombo monsoon brought the game to an abrupt end. The World Cup group-stage clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium was called off, leaving both teams with one point each. It was Pakistan’s first point in four matches, while England climbed to the top of the table, leading Australia on net run rate.

Pakistan had every reason to hold their heads high after a superb start. Captain Fatima Sana delivered a fiery opening spell, reducing England to 78 for 7. Her spell set the tone for Pakistan’s dominant display. However, England recovered slightly as Charlie Dean and Em Arlott stitched together a 47-run stand for the eighth wicket, lifting England to 133 for 9 in 31 overs.

Chasing a DLS target of 113, Pakistan reached 34 without loss in just 6.4 overs when heavy rain returned, ending the match early.

England’s Line-up Falters Without Key Bowlers

England entered the match unbeaten but were without two key players — Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell, both sidelined by illness. Their absence forced the inclusion of Sarah Glenn and Em Arlott. Yet, it was England’s batting that crumbled once again.

Only Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt, who had scored heavily in earlier matches, showed any form in the tournament. This time, both fell cheaply as Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the early stages.

Fatima Sana’s Devastating Spell

Fatima Sana bowled with precision and aggression. She struck early when Amy Jones, after hitting two early boundaries, was bowled by a delivery that nipped back sharply. Moments later, Tammy Beaumont left a ball from Diana Baig, which clipped the off bail.

Sana’s best moment came when she dismissed Sciver-Brunt, who misjudged another nip-backer that rattled the stumps. England slumped to 38 for 4, with Knight barely surviving two close lbw appeals.

Spinner Sadia Iqbal then joined the attack, dismissing Emma Lamb and Sophia Dunkley, both struggling to find form. By the 12th over, England were reeling at 57 for 6. Alice Capsey tried to counterattack but fell lbw to Rameen Shamim, leaving England at 79 for 7 before rain interrupted play.

Late Resistance from Dean and Arlott

After a long rain delay of nearly four hours, England added some valuable runs. Dean played smartly, finding gaps to score 33, while Arlott made 18 off 23 balls before getting run out. Their efforts took England to a modest 133 for 9, a total that looked within Pakistan’s reach before the weather turned.

Pakistan’s Confident Chase Cut Short

In reply, Pakistan began confidently. Omaima Sohail, recalled to strengthen the batting order, played fluently for 19 off 18 balls, while Muneeba Ali stayed unbeaten on 9. The openers looked set for a strong chase before rain ended their hopes.

Pakistan have never beaten England in an ODI and only have one T20I win against them, back in 2013. The abandoned match felt like a missed opportunity but still a morale boost for a team that has shown fight throughout the tournament.

Brief Scorecard