WWC: rain halts play as Pak stumble to lose three wickets against NZ

WEB DESK: Rain has once again interrupted play in Colombo, where Pakistan are facing New Zealand in a crucial Women’s World Cup clash. The covers are on, though the drizzle isn’t heavy enough to send players sprinting off, just enough to add to Pakistan’s frustration.

Before the interruption, Pakistan were struggling at 52 for 3 in 12 overs, after losing opener Sidra Amin for 9. Amin had just found her rhythm with a boundary off Sophie Devine before Lea Tahuhu struck, drawing a mistimed square shot brilliantly caught by Melie Kerr at point. Earlier, Aliya Riaz looked composed on 11 off 17 deliveries, but Pakistan’s innings was marred by inconsistency and seven wides conceded by New Zealand’s bowlers. With clouds lingering over the R. Premadasa Stadium, both sides await a restart, Pakistan hoping their middle order can rebuild, and New Zealand eager to press home their early advantage. Jess Kerr had already removed Muneeba Ali as Bates took a stunning diving catch at midwicket.

Pakistan had made a cautious start against New Zealand in their must-win ICC Women’s World Cup clash in Colombo, reaching 28 for 1 in seven overs after being put in to bat. Openers Muneeba Ali and Omaima Sohail began steadily, with Muneeba playing some crisp drives through cover to score 21 off 24 balls.

However, Pakistan’s early momentum was halted when Lea Tahuhu struck in her first over, trapping Omaima lbw for 3 as the ball nipped back sharply. Sidra Amin, Pakistan’s most consistent batter of the tournament joined Muneeba at the crease as they look to rebuild on a pitch offering movement to the seamers.

New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Tahuhu and Jess Kerr, kept a disciplined line under overcast skies, extracting swing and bounce. With Pakistan’s campaign hanging by a thread, their top order faces a crucial test to post a defendable total on a challenging surface.

Having no victories to their name thus far, thus Pakistan’s batter Omaima Sohail remained hopeful the team can turn things around as they prepare to face New Zealand in Colombo on October 18.

After three defeats and a washout, Fatima Sana’s side is at the bottom of the table with just one point. Yet Sohail struck an optimistic note ahead of the match, saying Pakistan are “getting closer and closer to a win” and determined to fight back.

Reflecting on the rain-hit clash against England, which denied Pakistan a potential breakthrough, Sohail said the team was eager to make the most of their next opportunity. “We’ll do our best and try to win this one,” she said, noting that Colombo’s spin-friendly pitches could favour Pakistan’s attack.

While the team’s bowling, led by skipper Fatima Sana, has been a highlight, with Sana among the tournament’s top wicket-takers, batting remains their weak link. Pakistan’s low totals in previous games have exposed that imbalance, but Sohail believes familiarity with conditions will help improve execution. “We now understand how the pitch behaves and will try to apply that knowledge,” she added.

Calling for collective responsibility, Sohail said the focus was on batting consistency. “We need to click as a unit and post competitive scores,” she said. Despite the odds, she insisted Pakistan still have a mathematical chance of qualifying for the semi-finals. “We’re not giving up, we’ll fight till the end,” she affirmed.