The highly anticipated 19th match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 between Pakistan Women and New Zealand Women at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo ended in a frustrating no-result due to relentless rain. The washout meant the points were split, a result that had significant repercussions for the tournament, as it officially confirmed South Africa’s qualification for the semi-finals.
The stop-start nature of the contest meant only 25 overs were completed in the Pakistan innings before the weather ultimately forced the abandonment.
Match Summary
New Zealand Women won the toss and elected to bowl first, banking on the favorable overcast conditions and the possibility of a DLS-affected chase.
Pakistan Women’s Innings (Abandoned): 92/5 in 25 overs
Pakistan’s innings was a tale of early struggle punctuated by key wickets falling just as partnerships began to form. Openers Muneeba Ali and Omaima Sohail provided a solid, if cautious, start before New Zealand’s pace attack struck.
- Lea Tahuhu was the pick of the bowlers for the White Ferns, finishing with excellent figures of 2/20 from 6 overs. She broke the opening stand by trapping Omaima Sohail (3) leg before.
- Muneeba Ali looked the most fluent of the top order, striking a quickfire 22 off 26 balls, but her innings was cut short by a superb diving catch from Suzie Bates at short mid-wicket off the bowling of Jess Kerr.
- Pakistan slumped further to $52/3$ and then $80/5$ as the New Zealand spin duo of Amelia Kerr and Eden Carson tightened the screws in the middle overs, each claiming a wicket. Kerr bowled a beauty to dismiss Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana.
- The only resistance came from Aliya Riaz, who remained unbeaten on 28 off 52 balls, attempting to hold the innings together as wickets tumbled around her.
The first rain interruption occurred after the dismissal of Sidra Ameen. Play resumed, and the match was reduced to 46 overs per side. However, just as Pakistan reached $92/5$ after 25 overs, the heavens opened once more, and this time, the downpour was heavy enough to prevent any further play.
Key Player Performances
| Team | Player | Role | Performance |
| New Zealand | Lea Tahuhu | Fast Bowler | 2/20 (6 overs) |
| Pakistan | Aliya Riaz | Batter | 28* (52 balls) |
| Pakistan | Muneeba Ali | Batter | 22 (26 balls) |
Tournament Impact
The wash-out proved highly detrimental for both teams.
- For New Zealand (4 points from 5 matches), who are fighting for a semi-final spot, the shared points were a blow. The White Ferns now face must-win matches against India and England to secure a top-four finish.
- For Pakistan (2 points from 5 matches), who remain at the bottom of the table without a win, the abandonment was a missed opportunity to push for their first victory of the tournament, though their semi-final hopes were already very slim.
The match result, or lack thereof, meant that South Africa, with a better number of wins, officially joined Australia as the second team to secure a place in the semi-finals.
