Women’s ODI World Cup 2025: Pakistan’s batting goes down predicted spiral against New Zealand before another washout in Colombo

Any confidence Pakistan carried into its Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 encounter against New Zealand dissolved almost as swiftly as the rains that interrupted play. 

And the relentless showers had the final say, forcing a third washout in four matches here at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Even before the weather played spoilsport, it was clear early on that New Zealand had come well-prepared to seize control on Saturday. 

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From the start, Pakistan appeared out of sync, undone by New Zealand’s fielding brilliance and bowling efficiency. Suzie Bates and Eden Carson set the tone with sharp, athletic catches, while Amelia Kerr and Carson undid any momentum Pakistan tried to build.

The Pakistan dugout wore a grim look as the team’s batting line-up faltered once again. A stable start gave way to a freefall, with wickets tumbling one after another.

The rain delay — lengthy and ill-timed — did little to help Pakistan regain rhythm.

For New Zealand, the result offers little comfort. A stop-start campaign marred by back-to-back washouts now leaves the White Ferns with must-win clashes against India and England.
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At 53 for three, re-entering after over an hour and a half-long break, Natalia Pervaiz and Aliya Riaz were handed the unenviable task of rebuilding a fragile innings. But their composure was short-lived.

First Lea Tahuhu’s fiery spell and then a refreshingly disciplined show from the spinners kept Pakistan under the pump. Natalia, given a brief lifeline after a dropped catch at slip, couldn’t capitalise. Fatima Sana, perhaps Pakistan’s last hope of salvaging a decent total, succumbed to Amelia’s trademark googly.

In the 40 minutes of play that were squeezed in before the drizzle intensified, Pakistan was down half its team without breaching the 100-run mark. And it never got another chance.

For New Zealand, the result offers little comfort. A stop-start campaign marred by back-to-back washouts now leaves the White Ferns with must-win clashes against India and England.

But Colombo’s fourth rain-affected match this World Cup has raised a pertinent question: why host a global event during a country’s monsoon season?

The scheduling oversight has cost teams vital points, disrupted momentum, and, for some, wiped out the possibility of a dream campaign. With qualification now dependent on others’ outcomes, the tournament risks being decided not by performance, but by probability.

Published on Oct 18, 2025