ICC WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2025
Pakistan managed to bat only 25 overs © Getty
The 2025 Women’s World Cup’s frustrating leg in Colombo saw another game getting washed out as Pakistan and New Zealand settled for a point each on Saturday (October 18). While the result heaps the pressure on T20 World champions New Zealand, South Africa’s spot in the semifinals has now been confirmed. They have become the second team to enter the next round.
On expected lines, Lea Tahuhu returned for New Zealand as they opted to bowl first with rain around. While Muneeba Ali did get off to a fine start by finding the boundary twice in the first over against Rosemary Mair before repeating the feat against the same bowler four overs later, Tahuhu struck early at the other end. Jess Kerr then got rid of the set Ali as Pakistan were put on the backfoot.
When Tahuhu sent Sidra Amin back to the pavilion, the players were forced off the field with the rain making its first appearance. While Pakistan did recover a fair bit when play resumed, they were stuttering when New Zealand struck in back-to-back overs to leave them reeling at 80/5. Only five more overs were possible from thereon before the rain arrived for good to force a fourth abandonment in Colombo in this year’s World Cup.
While Pakistan remain in the bottom spot following the result, New Zealand’s semifinal chances have taken a hit given this is their second washout. They have also lost two games already and their final two games in the league phase are against fellow semifinal contenders – India and England.
Brief scores: Pakistan 92/5 in 25 overs (Aliya Riaz 28*; Lea Tahuhu 2/20) vs New Zealand – No Result
© Cricbuzz
