South Africa qualify for semis after rain washes off Pakistan vs New Zealand clash

Pakistan’s clash against New Zealand turned out to be another damp squib in Colombo after their Women’s World Cup match at the R. Premadasa Stadium was called off due to persistent rain. Showers have continued to play spoilsport at the venue, with this being the fourth game to be abandoned. The result also meant South Africa became the second team after Australia to secure a semi-final berth.

With the washout, Pakistan collected their second point but remained at the bottom of the table. New Zealand, on the other hand, stayed fifth with a net run rate of -0.245. The White Ferns now face a tough road ahead with matches against four-time champions England and hosts India still to come in the group stage.

After opting to field first, New Zealand saw Pakistan make a cautious start through Omaima Sohail and Muneeba Ali, who added 30 runs for the opening wicket in 6.4 overs.



Once Lea Tahuhu dismissed Omaima, who struggled to a 15-ball 3, Pakistan’s innings lost momentum. Soon after, Jess Kerr removed Muneeba, who had looked fluent in her 22 off 26 balls, hitting four boundaries.

Sidra Amin, Pakistan’s standout batter in the tournament, fell cheaply for nine, again to Tahuhu. Rain then interrupted play, forcing officials to reduce the game to 46 overs per side. When play resumed, Pakistan lost quick wickets, with Natalia Pervaiz and Sidra Nawaz departing in succession.

Aliya Riaz held firm with an unbeaten 28 off 52 balls, striking three fours, before rain intervened for the second time. The match was reduced to a 36-over affair, but the weather deteriorated once again, forcing a complete halt. With the cut-off time for a 20-over game set at 9:41 PM, the officials eventually called off the match around 9 PM, as conditions failed to improve.