Fans react as rain forces cancellation of England-Pakistan 2025 Women’s World Cup group match
England narrowly avoided a defeat against Pakistan to the ICC Women’s World Cup in Colombo, thanks to timely rain breaks. Pakistani bowlers collapsed England to 79/7 after 25 overs, putting the defending champions under heavy pressure. After a long delay, play resumed with the match in 31 overs, allowing England to post a score of 133/9, aided by a crucial 47-run partnership between Charlie Dean And Em Arlott. Pakistan started their run confidently, reaching 34-0 before rain intervened again, denying them a historic maiden ODI victory against England.
Women’s World Cup 2025: England’s batting collapse and recovery
Pakistani bowlers, led by Diana Baig And Fatimaexploited England’s fragile top order brilliantly, taking five wickets in the powerplay and leaving the visitors exposed. Tammy Beaumont was the first to fall, rattled by a sharp delivery from Baig, while Pakistan skipper Sana took three key wickets, including Amy Jones for eight and the experienced duo Nat SPE-Brunt And Heather Knight for four and 18 respectively.
England’s middle and lower classes still struggled as Sophie Dunkley And Alice Capsey were trapped in weight, and Emma Lamb was played for four by Sadia Iqbal. Capsey and Dean held off the Pakistan spinners for 70 balls, managing just 21 runs, before pressure forced Capsey out. Once play resumed after the rain, Dean and Em Arlott added vital runs, helping England post a defendable total of 133/9. This partnership proved crucial as Pakistan’s bowlers had consistently challenged England’s fragile batting line-up. England’s experience and composure under pressure allowed them to recover, but the collapse exposed vulnerabilities, particularly without key players.
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Women’s World Cup 2025: Pakistan’s promising pursuit and missed opportunity
Pakistan began its response confidently, with overtures Omama Sahal And Muneeba Ali put them on solid footing, reaching 34 unbeaten before rain shortened their innings. The team looked set to claim a historic first ODI victory against England, after reducing the reigning champions Australia at 76/7 in a previous match. England’s bowling was inconsistent early in the chase, leaving spaces and failing to capitalize on moments of pressure.
Rain ultimately prevented Pakistan from continuing their momentum and the match ended without a result for their historic bid. England will now focus on the challenges ahead against India and Australia in Indore, followed by the final group stage match against New Zealand in Visakhapatnam. Pakistan’s performance demonstrated their improving skills, confidence and ability to challenge elite teams, signaling a team on the rise. The close encounter encourages Pakistan to build on their strengths in spinners and disciplined batting. The drama in Colombo reinforces the unpredictability of the Women’s World Cup and the emergence of new competitive forces in women’s cricket.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Pakistan was hit hard by the rain. England dodges a bullet, remains undefeated and goes to the top of the rankings.
A match that was on the verge of becoming a World Cup classic.
The weather in Colombo has the last word.#CWC25 | #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/7kihUjH5Xl
– Annesha Ghosh (@ghosh_annensha) October 15, 2025
The game was officially canceled. 1 point each. Heartbreaking for Pakistan who were well placed. But once the dust settles, they will reflect on their performance today and carry that confidence into their final three matches. England takes the lead in the rankings… #PAKvENG
– Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) October 15, 2025
#CWC25 the match officials should be fired immediately for spoiling a match when there was a near 3 hour stoppage, they should just start with the 2nd innings but no, they are giving England so many favors and now the match is a waste, well done to the officials
— 𝙋 𝘼 𝙍 𝙏 𝙃🦸🏻♂️ (@ssupParth) October 15, 2025
If the game had been reduced to 20 overs…it would still have been a failure with around 15 overs played…resulting in even more tears and complaints… #CWC25 #FraWvPakW
– An Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) October 15, 2025
A stolen victory in Pakistan #ENGvPAK #CCB2025
-Smriti Tamil Nadu FC (@smrititnfc) October 15, 2025
Rain could save England from early elimination
If they had lost today (100%), their next 2 games were against Ind and Aus.
There’s a good chance they lose both and end up in a QF against New Zealand#ENGvPAK
-Arjun (@6worldcups) October 15, 2025
Lucky, lucky England! Bad luck in Pakistan. I hope they get something out of this group stage because they played brilliantly today.
See how England progresses from here. Their inability to play straight into the top 10 has been a huge problem. #ENGvPAK
–GBKB (@graemebcricket) October 15, 2025
I hope this serves as a wake-up call for the rest of the tournament. #ENGvPAK
– Jonathan Wood 🇺🇦 (@JonathanWood3) October 15, 2025
Cricket deserved a victory for Pakistan today. Not the other way around. The Green Queens literally brought England to their knees with a display of world-class cricket.
– Ahmad Hussein (@Ahmad_Pak_) October 15, 2025
The rain came to save England with a point each. Pakistan must be gutted after dominating the match.
– @AlanMar75485490 (@AlanMar75485490) October 15, 2025
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This article was first published on WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
