Colombo, Thursday — Pakistan’s bowlers, spearheaded by captain Fatima Sana, delivered a stunning performance to leave England Women tottering at 79 for 7 before rain intervened during their ICC Women’s World Cup fixture at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium yesterday.
Opting to bat first under gloomy skies, England’s top order crumbled in the face of Pakistan’s disciplined new-ball attack. Fatima Sana and Diana Baig struck early, removing Tammy Beaumont (4) and Amy Jones (8) within the opening three overs.
The Pakistan skipper then returned with a fiery second spell, dismissing Nat Sciver-Brunt (4) and captain Heather Knight (18 off 17 balls, 4 fours) in the seventh over, reducing England to 54 for 5 inside the powerplay.
Pakistan’s dominance continued as leg-spinner Sadia Iqbal tightened the grip in the middle overs, finishing with 2 for 16, while Fatima capped her spell with superb figures of 3 for 19 in five overs.
At the halfway mark, England were struggling at 79 for 7 when heavy rain forced the players off the field. Despite persistent efforts from the ground staff, the weather worsened, leaving officials with no choice but to suspend play for the day.
Chief Scores:
England Women – 79 for 7 wickets in 25 overs (match stopped due to rain)
Heather Knight 18, Alice Capsey 16, Sophia Dunkley 11;
Fatima Sana 3/19, Sadia Iqbal 2/16