England narrowly avoided a defeat against Pakistan at the ICC Women’s World Cup in Colombo, thanks to timely rain interruptions. Pakistan’s bowlers had England reeling at 79/7 after 25 overs, putting the defending champions under severe pressure. After a lengthy delay, play resumed with a 31-over match, allowing England to post 133/9, aided by a crucial 47-run partnership between Charlie Dean and Em Arlott. Pakistan began their chase confidently, reaching 34-0 before rain once again intervened, denying them a historic first ODI win over England.
Women’s World Cup 2025: England’s batting collapse and recovery
Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Diana Baig and Fatima Sana, exploited England’s fragile top order brilliantly, claiming five wickets in the powerplay and leaving the visitors exposed. Tammy Beaumont was the first to fall, bowled by a sharply turning delivery from Baig, while Pakistan skipper Sana took three key wickets, including Amy Jones for eight and the experienced duo Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight for four and 18 respectively.
England’s middle and lower order struggled further as Sophia Dunkley and Alice Capsey were trapped lbw, and Emma Lamb was bowled for four by Sadia Iqbal. Capsey and Dean resisted Pakistan’s spinners for 70 balls, managing only 21 runs, before the pressure forced Capsey out. Once play resumed after rain, Dean and Em Arlott added vital runs, helping England post a defendable total of 133/9. This partnership proved crucial, as Pakistan’s bowlers had consistently challenged England’s fragile batting lineup. England’s experience and composure under pressure allowed them to recover, but the collapse highlighted vulnerabilities, especially without key players.
Women’s World Cup 2025: Pakistan’s promising chase and missed opportunity
Pakistan started their reply confidently, with openers Omaima Sohail and Muneeba Ali putting on a solid foundation, reaching 34 without loss before rain curtailed their innings. The side looked poised to achieve a landmark first ODI win against England, having previously reduced defending champions Australia to 76/7 in a previous game. England’s bowling was erratic early in the chase, leaving gaps and failing to capitalize on pressure moments.
The rain ultimately prevented Pakistan from continuing their momentum, and the match ended as a no-result for their historic bid. England will now focus on upcoming challenges against India and Australia in Indore, followed by the final group-stage game against New Zealand in Visakhapatnam. Pakistan’s performance showcased their improving skill, confidence, and ability to challenge elite sides, signaling a team on the rise. The close encounter serves as encouragement for Pakistan to build on their strengths in spinners and disciplined batting. The drama in Colombo reinforces the unpredictability of the Women’s World Cup and the emergence of new competitive forces in women’s cricket.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Pakistan hard done by rain. England dodge a bullet, remain unbeaten and go top of the table.
A game that was poised to go down as a World Cup classic.
Colombo weather has the last laugh.#CWC25 | #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/7kihUjH5Xl
— Annesha Ghosh (@ghosh_annesha) October 15, 2025
The game has been officially called off. 1 point each. Heartbreaking for Pakistan who were well placed. But once the dust settles, they will reflect on how well they performed today and take that confidence into their last three matches. England go top of the table… #PAKvENG
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) October 15, 2025
#CWC25 the match officials should be fired immediately to waste a game when there was stopping for almost 3 hours, they should just start with second innings but no they are giving so much favour to England and now game is waste well done officials
— 𝙋 𝘼 𝙍 𝙏 𝙃🦸🏻♂️ (@ssupParth) October 15, 2025
If the game had been reduced to 20 overs….it still would have been a washout with about 15 overs bowled….resulting in even more tears and complaints… #CWC25 #EngWvPakW
— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) October 15, 2025
A win robbed from Pakistan #ENGvPAK #CWC2025
— Smriti Tamil Nadu FC (@smrititnfc) October 15, 2025
Rain potentially saving England from an early elimination
Had they lost today (100%), their next 2 games were v Ind and Aus
Good chance they lose both and find themselves in a QF v NZ#ENGvPAK
— Arjun (@6worldcups) October 15, 2025
Lucky, lucky England! Hard luck Pakistan. I hope they get something out of this group stage as they played brilliantly today.
See how England go from here. Their inability to play straight in the first 10 was a huge issue. #ENGvPAK
— GBKB (@graemebcricket) October 15, 2025
Hopefully that acts as a wake up call for the rest of the tournament #ENGvPAK
— Jonathan Wood 🇺🇦 (@JonathanWood3) October 15, 2025
Cricket deserved a Pakistan win today. Not the other way around. Green Queens had England on their knees literally through truly world class display of cricket.
— Ahmad Hussain (@Ahmad_Pak_) October 15, 2025
The rain as come to rescue England a point apiece Pakistan must be gutted after bossing the match
— @AlanMar75485490 (@AlanMar75485490) October 15, 2025
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
