A second painful abandonment has injured Pakistan’s hopes in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, as its match against New Zealand was cancelled due to continued rain in Colombo.
This is the second washout for Pakistan in four days, maintaining their very slim hopes of qualifying for the knockouts. The no result in the match means South Africa will officially be in the semi-finals alongside Australia.
PAK vs NZ: Rain Interrupts Pakistan’s Momentum Once Again
In the highly anticipated PAK vs NZ match, New Zealand won the toss and put themselves in control early on in overcast conditions. The returning pace bowler Lea Tahuhu struck early with a fine spell, which had Pakistan struggling at 92 for 5, before the match was subsequently disrupted and ended due to the relentless rain.
Pakistan, who are still waiting for their first victory in the tournament, have now had two of their matches rained off—severely damaging their already thin hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
South Africa Qualify for Semi-Finals After PAK vs NZ Washout
The washout favored South Africa, who have now qualified for the semi-finals with four victories in five matches. Even if teams are equal on points, South Africa’s higher win tally ensures qualifying under the rules of the tournament. They join Australia as the two qualifiers for the semi-finals with this outcome.
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New Zealand Still in Contention Despite Washed-Out Match
New Zealand, who are currently fifth, are also within the running for a place in the semi-finals. With one victory and two abandoned matches, their next two matches against England and India will be make-or-break. A good result in those encounters could see them move into the top four.
Match Report: Tahuhu Shines Before Rain Washes Out Play
Before the rain intervened, there were some telling moments of play:
Lea Tahuhu trapped Omaima Sohail LBW in her very first over.
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Muneeba Ali made a couple of boundaries but was caught in a stunning manner by Suzie Bates.
Sidra Amin and a few others followed soon as Pakistan collapsed to 52 for 3.
There was a 95-minute wait before play could resume but rain arrived again when Pakistan was on 92 for 5 in 25 overs.
The game was initially shortened to 46 overs, then to 36 overs for each side, before being eventually abandoned because of heavy rain and lightning.
Key Performances Before Rain Abandoned the PAK vs NZ Match
Lea Tahuhu: 2 wickets in a hot opening spell
Melie Kerr: 1 wicket, including the key wicket of Fatima Sana with a wrong’un
Eden Carson: 1 wicket and a breathtaking catch
Suzie Bates: Breathtaking diving catch to send back Muneeba Ali
What can Pakistan and New Zealand do next in Women’s World Cup 2025?
Pakistan: Remain winless, have to win their remaining games convincingly and rely on other favorable results.
New Zealand: Have to play India and England in must-win matches to remain in contention for the knockouts.
ALSO READ: ENG vs NZ: Rain Interrupts As Curran Leads England To 153
