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Rain washes out Pakistan–New Zealand clash, South Africa advance

Rain washes out Pakistan–New Zealand clash, South Africa advance

Pakistan's captain Fatima Sana (2R) reacts after her dismissal as New Zealand's players celebrate during the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 one-day international (ODI) match between New Zealand and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on October 18, 2025-AFP

ISLAMABAD: Persistent rain forced the abandonment of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 match between Pakistan and New Zealand in Colombo on Saturday, confirming South Africa’s place in the semifinals alongside defending champions Australia.


Pakistan was 92 for 5 after 25 overs when heavy rain returned for the second time, prompting officials to call off play after a three-hour delay.


Earlier, New Zealand medium pacer Lea Tahuhu removed Omaima Sohail for 3, while Sidra Amin fell for 9 to a sharp catch by Eden Carson at point before the first rain break left Pakistan struggling at 52 for 3 in the 13th over.


When play briefly resumed, Pakistan lost two more wickets, including captain Fatima Sana, bowled by a well-disguised Amelia Kerr googly, before rain ultimately ended the game.


The washout lifted New Zealand to fifth in the standings, with two challenging fixtures remaining against India and England, while Pakistan remained winless and anchored at the bottom after five matches.


It was the second consecutive no-result for both sides, as persistent bad weather continued to disrupt World Cup matches in the Sri Lankan capital.