Rain Halts Play As New Zealand And Pakistan Share Points In Colombo Showdown
Persistent rain washed out the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 group-stage match between New Zealand and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday, forcing both teams to share the points after repeated interruptions prevented a result.
The encounter, crucial for both sides’ semi-final hopes, was first delayed by early showers and later abandoned without a conclusion after multiple rain breaks. With no further play possible, both teams walked away with one point each — a disappointing outcome given the stakes of the contest.
New Zealand’s Semi-Final Hopes Dented
New Zealand, who came into the match needing a win to strengthen their position in the top four, now sit on four points from five games. Their campaign has been marked by inconsistent performances and weather setbacks, leaving them little margin for error in the upcoming fixtures against India and England.
Pakistan Still Winless In CWC25
For Pakistan, the wash-out extends their winless streak in the tournament. Despite flashes of promise from their top order, the side has struggled to convert starts into substantial totals. With only a handful of matches left, their chances of advancing to the knockout stage appear slim.
Match Recap Before The Rain
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first, making early breakthroughs that put Pakistan under pressure at 92 for 5 in 25 overs. The match showed signs of becoming a gripping contest before heavy rain returned, eventually ending hopes of resumption.
Weather Woes Continue In Colombo
This was the fourth match in Colombo to be abandoned due to rain in this World Cup, raising concerns about scheduling during the region’s monsoon period. Frustrated fans and teams alike have called for contingency plans to avoid further disruptions in upcoming fixtures.
What Lies Ahead
New Zealand’s next matches against higher-ranked teams will determine their semi-final fate, while Pakistan will aim to restore pride and gain momentum for future tournaments. Both sides now face mounting pressure as the group stage heads toward its decisive phase.
