England's Women's Cricket World Cup campaign nearly hit a major snag in Colombo as Pakistan threatened a stunning upset. Heavy rain ultimately played spoilsport, rescuing England from what looked like a certain defeat. The match, already reduced to 31 overs per side due to an initial downpour, saw Pakistan dominating before the heavens opened again, denying them a well-deserved victory.
England's Batting Collapse
England's batting lineup crumbled under pressure, slumping to a dismal 79-7 after 25 overs. Pakistan's seam bowlers exploited the conditions perfectly, causing havoc in England's top and middle order. It was a far cry from their previous performances, exposing a fragility that could prove costly later in the tournament.
Pakistan's Near Triumph
Pakistan's bowlers were relentless, and their batters started strongly in their chase of 113. Muneeba Ali and Omaima Sohail looked comfortable at the crease, reaching 33-0 in just six overs before the decisive rain arrived. The disappointment was palpable as their hopes of a landmark victory were washed away.
Rain Saves the Day (for England)
The first rain delay reduced the game to 31 overs, and Charlie Dean (33) and Em Arlott (18) managed a crucial 47-run partnership to push England to 113. However, it was the second bout of rain that truly spared England's blushes, preventing Pakistan from completing what would have been a memorable win.
What's Next?
England now sit alongside Australia at the top of the table. They need to learn from this close call and address their batting woes before facing tougher opponents. Pakistan, despite the disappointment, can take heart from their performance and build on this momentum for their remaining matches. The Women's World Cup continues to deliver drama and excitement, proving that anything can happen on the cricket field.