🔗 Share this article

Pakistan narrowly missed out on their first limited-overs success against England in Colombo this Wednesday, getting to 34 runs without losing a wicket going after a DLS-adjusted target totaling 113 runs prior to pouring rain halted their aspirations to create history.

England's Batting Struggles

The English batting lineup has lurched from one disaster to another throughout this World Cup – they had to be bailed out through Heather Knight's efforts facing Bangladesh and by Nat Sciver-Brunt against Sri Lanka – on this occasion it appeared that their weaknesses would come back to trouble them, as their innings fell apart to a precarious 79/7 within the initial 25 overs.

Showers and Resumption

Postponed first by rain for about four hours, England returned to add 54 further runs – yet the Pakistani openers Muneeba Ali and Omaima Sohail looked to be making short work the target, helped by the non-participation of the English team's primary attackers Bell and Ecclestone through illness. Only further rain spared England embarrassment.

“Pakistan bowled brilliantly and created significant difficulties for us to establish ourselves in the match,” the England captain Sciver-Brunt told Sky Sports. "Our performance was insufficient and we accept responsibility. Everyone’s practising really well and I guess it’s about discovering a method to do that in games.”

Tournament Implications

The abandoned match means that England remain on course to progress to the semi-finals as long as they win one out of their remaining three group-stage encounters versus India, Australia and New Zealand.

Pitch Conditions and Bowling Dominance

This tournament has so far been a haven for spinners, however in this match it was significant swing that created issues against the English opening lineup, post substantial precipitation a day before that canceled the latter part of the Sri Lankan contest against New Zealand. The youthful Pakistani skipper Sana delivered an outstanding spell recording 5 overs, 1 maiden, 19 runs, 3 wickets, comprising a wicket-taking maiden initially, getting Amy Jones out through the gate with an inswinger.

Pivotal Events and Decision Review

Knight once again saved herself through a well-timed DRS review facing Sana that was going past leg stump, but then the Pakistani skipper to take two wickets in the next over using two additional curving deliveries – one which the captain deflected onto her wickets, and a second which hit Knight right in front.

Earlier, Beaumont had opted not to play against Diana Baig and was dismissed by a delivery that came back that grazed the top of her off-stump, while it was the spin from the left side by Sadia Iqbal which did for Dunkley and Lamb.

Tournament Scheduling Questions

Questions may be raised concerning the determination to host part of the World Cup in Colombo throughout the rainy season, given that this is the third washout at the venue – but England will simply feel relieved as they progress to Indore.