England's Women's Cricket World Cup campaign faced a major scare against Pakistan in Colombo, but they were ultimately rescued by persistent rain. Pakistan's seamers exploited helpful conditions, leaving England reeling at 79-7. However, the rain intervened, washing away Pakistan's hopes of a historic victory.
The match, reduced to 31 overs per side, saw Pakistan reach 33-0 in pursuit of England's revised target before the heavens opened again. This outcome spared England's unbeaten run, but their batting collapse raised serious concerns ahead of crucial matches against India and Australia.
Pakistan Expose England's Batting Woes
Pakistan's bowlers expertly utilized the conditions, exposing a fragile middle order. England's top order struggled to cope with the movement and bounce, leading to a dramatic collapse. While the rain saved them from defeat, the performance highlighted vulnerabilities that need to be addressed quickly.
Key Moments from the Match
- England slumped to 79-7 after 25 overs.
- Nat Sciver-Brunt, fresh from a century against Sri Lanka, was dismissed for just four runs.
- Pakistan reached 33-0 in pursuit of 113 before the rain arrived.
England will need to learn from this close call and improve their batting performance if they are to compete with the tournament's top teams. Their upcoming matches against India and Australia will be a true test of their World Cup credentials.
The tricky schedule, with group-stage games across four different venues, each offering different conditions, requires England to adapt quickly. The team needs to learn on the job and ensure they are prepared for any challenge.