England escape shock defeat as rain intervenes
England were pushed to the brink of a sensational upset at the Women’s World Cup 2025, only to be spared by a heavy downpour in Colombo. Pakistan’s inspired bowling, combined with a late-weather interruption, left England wobbling at 79-7 after 25 overs with the chase in peril and the threat of their worst nightmare looming.
The first bout of rain arrived as Pakistan’s bowlers wreaked early havoc, tearing through England’s top order. Tammy Beaumont fell to a superbly angled delivery from Diana Baig, leaving England reeling at 11-2. Nat Sciver-Brunt’s side then faced a second wave of wickets as Pakistan struck at both ends of the order, leaving England 78-5 before the players stopped for a lengthy weather delay.
After the heavy rain eased, play resumed with England at 31 overs apiece, and a glimmer of resilience emerged. Charlie Dean partnered with Em Arlott to steer England to a more stable total, with Dean top-scoring on 33 as part of a 47-run stand that steadied the innings. England finished on 133-9, laying down a defendable if fragile total on a surface that offered something for both bat and ball.
Pakistan’s chase interrupted and revised target
Pakistan were set a revised target of 113 from 34 overs due to the rain interruption, a challenging but not insurmountable ask given their start. The openers Omaima Sohail and Muneeba Ali showed early intent, moving to 34 without loss as England’s fielding and bowling endured a momentary lull after the restart.
England’s bowlers had bundled Pakistan out in earlier stages, with the ball deviating and spinners troubling the batsmen. However, the weather drama returned, interrupting Pakistan’s momentum just as hopes of a famous victory began to take shape. The rain delay halted Pakistan’s progress just as confidence grew, denying them a potential landmark win over the defending champions.
England’s inconsistent batting exposed again
England remained hampered by a lack of continuity with the bat. The opening partnership again failed to click as Tammy Beaumont fell to a sharp delivery, and Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight, and Emma Lamb all fell in frustrating fashion as Pakistan’s bowlers mixed pace with spin. Sophie Dunkley and Alice Capsey offered resistance at various points, but both were eventually dismissed—Capsey lbw after a sweep, and Dunkley undone by a ball that found her pad.
With England’s two most experienced players unavailable due to illness, the team looked exposed between attack and defence. Capsey and Charlie Dean did their best to build a platform, with Dean accelerating later in the innings alongside Arlott to salvage something from the ruins.
What this means for England’s campaign
England’s performance underscores the challenge of this World Cup group stage, with India and Australia looming in their path after a hamstrung start. The result also marks another close encounter that slipped away from England after a narrow escape against Bangladesh earlier in the tournament.
Looking ahead, England will hope to regroup in Indore before facing India and Australia, with their schedule culminating against New Zealand in Visakhapatnam. If Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell recover from illness in time, England’s bowling attack could regain balance and provide a stronger platform for the batters to finish games.
Key takeaways
- Rain provided a lifeline for England, turning a potential defeat into a narrow escape.
- Pakistan’s early bowling was impressive, but the weather postponed their chances for a historic win.
- England’s injury-enforced reshuffle highlighted the squad’s depth and the need for consistency with the bat.
- Upcoming fixtures against India and Australia will be critical tests of England’s World Cup ambitions.
