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Rain Ruins World Cup Clash: New Zealand vs Pakistan Washed Out in Colombo

The crucial Women's World Cup match between New Zealand and Pakistan was completely washed out due to persistent rain in Colombo. This marked the fourth match abandoned at the R. Premadasa Stadium during the tournament, forcing both teams to share the points. New Zealand had gained significant momentum before the final downpour, reducing Pakistan to 92/5 in just 25 overs. The result confirmed South Africa's qualification for the semi-finals while leaving New Zealand in fifth position and Pakistan still searching for their first victory.

Key Points: New Zealand Pakistan Women's World Cup Match Abandoned Due Rain

  • Persistent rain forces fourth abandoned match at R. Premadasa Stadium in this tournament
  • New Zealand had reduced Pakistan to 92/5 in 25 overs before final abandonment
  • South Africa qualifies for semi-finals following points sharing between teams
  • Leah Tahuhu emerges as standout bowler with figures of 2/20 for New Zealand
3 min read

Womens World Cup: Rain washes out New Zealand vs Pakistan match in Colombo

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup match abandoned due to persistent rain in Colombo, both teams share points as South Africa qualifies for semi-finals.

"The White Ferns had struck twice in quick succession to leave Pakistan five down before rain returned to disrupt their momentum. - Match Report"

Colombo, October 18

The 19th clash of the ongoing ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 between New Zealand Women and Pakistan Women was washed out due to rain, which was being played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday. This was the fourth encounter of the competition, which was called off at the same venue.

The result meant that both teams shared the points, confirming South Africa's qualification for the semi-finals after their fourth consecutive win, which came against Sri Lanka on Friday. South Africa joins Australia in the knockouts, with two semi-final spots still up for grabs.

New Zealand remains in fifth place on the World Cup table with four points from five matches, while Pakistan, still searching for their first win, remains at the bottom.

With New Zealand winning the toss and electing to bowl, rain had earlier interrupted play during the first innings before the match was reduced to 46 overs per side. The New Zealand bowlers then tightened their grip on the game, reducing Pakistan to 92/5 in 25 overs.

Natalia Pervaiz departed in the 19th over, and in the very next over, Fatima Sana followed, leaving Pakistan with half their side back in the pavilion. Eden Carson claimed her first wicket when Pervaiz attempted to go down the ground but was caught at long on.

Soon after, Sana was bowled on the final ball of the 20th over, undone by a beautifully flighted googly that turned sharply between bat and pad before crashing into the stumps.

The White Ferns had struck twice in quick succession to leave Pakistan five down before rain returned to disrupt their momentum. Aliya Riaz (28*), who top scored for Pakistan, was still at the crease before rain returned once again, forcing the match to be called off.

Leah Tahuhu (2/20) finished as the pick of the bowlers while Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr and Eden Carson picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, Pakistan's first innings against New Zealand resumed after rain brought a temporary halt to play. The match was reduced to 46 overs per side with New Zealand set to chase an adjusted target under the DLS method in the second innings with their powerplay set to last nine overs and only one bowler allowed to bowl a maximum of 10 overs.

Before rain halted play, New Zealand claimed three quick wickets against Pakistan.

Omaima Sohail was the first to fall, trapped LBW by Lea Tahuhu while attempting to flick one off her pads. Jess Kerr then delivered the big breakthrough, dismissing Muneeba Ali, who had given Pakistan a steady start during the powerplay. Ali miscued a pull shot off a short delivery, only for Suzie Bates to pull off a superb cat at mid wicket, leaving Pakistan two down early.

Tahuhu continued to apply pressure on Pakistan, picking up her second wicket soon after the powerplay. Sidra Ameen tried to go big but miscued her shot, offering a catch Eden Carson to backward point.

Pakistan will face South Africa in their next fixture on October 21, while New Zealand are set to take on India on October 23.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great news for South Africa though! They've qualified for semis without even playing today. The points sharing worked in their favor. Now India needs to focus on their game against New Zealand on Oct 23 - that will be crucial for our semi-final chances! 🇮🇳
A
Arjun K
Leah Tahuhu was bowling brilliantly with 2/20! Feel bad for New Zealand who had the match under control. ICC should really consider having backup venues or reserve days for important World Cup matches. This is becoming too frequent in Colombo.
S
Sarah B
Pakistan really needs to improve their batting performance. Still searching for their first win and now at the bottom of the table. Aliya Riaz was fighting hard with 28* but the team needs more consistent performances from top order batters.
K
Kavya N
The DLS method calculations would have been interesting if the match had resumed. New Zealand was in a strong position to chase whatever target was set. Hope the weather doesn't spoil India's important matches coming up! 🤞
M
Michael C
While I understand weather is unpredictable, having 4 matches washed out at the same venue raises questions about scheduling during monsoon season. The tournament organizers could have planned better considering Colombo's weather patterns. Still, exciting to see women's cricket getting this much attention!

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