Colombo, Oct 15: Pakistan had a golden chance to script their maiden win over England, but incessant rain forced them to share a point with the four-time champions in their ICC Women’s World Cup match here on Wednesday.
Skipper Fatima Sana produced a fiery spell, returning with four wickets, as a disciplined Pakistan attack exploited movement and variable bounce to restrict England to 133 for nine in a rain-curtailed 31-overs-a-side contest.
Chasing a modest target of 113 (DLS method), Pakistan’s openers Muneeba Ali (9) and Omaima Sohail (19) provided a steady start, taking the side to 34 for no loss in 6.4 overs before rain returned to halt play once again.
With the downpour refusing to relent, the match was eventually abandoned, also crushing Pakistan’s semifinal hopes.
It was a frustrating outcome for Pakistan, who are yet to secure a win in the tournament and remain at the bottom of the standings with three losses.
However, they earned their first point following the washout.
England, on the other hand, moved to the top of the table with seven points – the same as Australia (+1.35) – but ahead on net run rate (+1.86).
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers had England in all sorts of trouble, reducing them to 79 for seven in 25 overs before rain interrupted play for the first time. Only three English batters – skipper Heather Knight (18), Sophia Dunkley (11) and Alice Capsey (16) – managed to reach double digits. (PTI)
