Cricket Match Report | No result at England v Pakistan
England 133-9 (31 overs) | Pakistan 34-0 (6.4 overs) | No result
England narrowly avoided a shock defeat to Pakistan at the Women’s World Cup after heavy rain in Colombo rescued them from an upset.
Author | Peter Jones

Pakistan had produced an outstanding bowling display to leave England reeling at 79 for seven after 25 overs when the first downpour arrived. After a long delay, play resumed with the match reduced to 31 overs per side. A battling partnership of 47 between Charlie Dean, who top-scored with 33, and Em Arlott helped England reach 133 for nine.
Set a revised target of 113, Pakistan began confidently, reaching 34 without loss before rain returned to wash out play and deny them what would have been their first one-day international victory over England. It was a fortunate escape for Nat Sciver-Brunt’s side, who had earlier survived a similar scare against Bangladesh, and a reminder of their fragility ahead of tougher tests against India and Australia.
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Pakistan captain Fatima Sana with the perfect delivery! 👏 pic.twitter.com/1V6zfyMLOP
England were second best for much of the contest against a Pakistan team still searching for their first win of the tournament. The top order collapsed again, with five wickets falling in the powerplay. Tammy Beaumont was the first to go, bowled by a sharp inswinger from Diana Baig. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana then took charge, claiming three crucial wickets by bowling Amy Jones for eight, dismissing Nat Sciver-Brunt for four and trapping Heather Knight lbw for 18.
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With their senior batters gone, England looked uncertain and caught between defence and attack. Sophia Dunkley and Alice Capsey were both given out lbw while sweeping, while Emma Lamb’s struggles continued as she was bowled by spinner Sadia Iqbal for four.
Capsey and Dean resisted Pakistan’s spin attack for 70 deliveries but could only add 21 before Capsey fell. When play resumed, Dean showed determination, adding valuable runs with Arlott.
Pakistan’s openers Omaima Sohail and Muneeba Ali made a composed start, while England’s bowling lacked control. The rain ended their pursuit just as an upset seemed possible, another heartbreak for Pakistan after they came close to toppling Australia earlier in the tournament.
England now move on to face India and Australia in Indore before completing their group stage against New Zealand in Visakhapatnam, where flatter pitches are expected. They will hope Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell, who both missed the match in Colombo due to illness, recover in time to return.
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