PAK-W vs SL-W Ball by Ball Commentary

PAK-W

18/0(4.2 ov)

SL-W

Yet to bat

Match Abandoned

Commentary

Pakistan Women

3:00 PM IST So, we move on! The next clash, and what a blockbuster it promises to be, sees Australia Women take on South Africa Women in Indore on Saturday, 25th October, in Match no. 26th of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Two powerhouses, one grand stage, and all to play for that first spot of the points table. The first ball will be bowled at 9.30 am GMT, but join us early for the pre-match build-up and analysis. Until then, breathe and smile! TAKE CARE! CIAO!

2:57 PM IST The skipper of Sri Lanka Women, Chamari Athapaththu, says that she tries to control what she can control, and while the expectations were high coming into the World Cup, things just didn’t go their way in the first few games. Admits they made too many mistakes across departments - batting, bowling, and fielding - but insists that the focus now is on learning and moving forward. Talking about the team’s blend of youth and experience, Chamari says that the senior players guide the youngsters, and as captain, she encourages everyone to play positive and fearless cricket. Points out that Sri Lanka’s domestic structure is improving, with players now getting more game time back home, which will help them get stronger collectively. On where Sri Lanka stands compared to the top sides, she says they’ve beaten teams like England, South Africa, and New Zealand in recent months, proving they are not far behind. However, Chamari emphasises the need to improve their batting and reduce mistakes, adding that patience and consistency are key if they want to compete regularly with the best. When asked about her future, she says that she still has a few more years left in her and wants to help build the next generation of Sri Lankan cricket. Signs off by saying these have been tough conditions, with rain and lights playing a part, but the team remains hopeful and determined to end on a strong note.

3:01 PM IST Pakistan Women's Captain, Fatima Sana, reflects on their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign, highlighting strengths in bowling and fielding while acknowledging batting shortcomings. As one of the youngest captains in the tournament, she gained valuable experience, though she wishes that the ICC had arranged more venues to mitigate weather disruptions. With the T20 World Cup looming, Sana emphasises the need for more cricket to prepare, awaiting the Pakistan Cricket Board's plans for the upcoming series and training camps.

2:52 PM IST Time to hear from both skippers now...

3:06 PM IST Before the skies turned traitor, we did have a short burst of cricket - just 4.2 overs to be exact! Pakistan managed 18 for no loss, with Muneeba Ali on 7 and Omaima Sohail on 9. There was intent, there was energy, but not enough overs. Sri Lanka’s new-ball pair - Malki Madara and Sugandika Kumari - bowled tight lines, keeping the batters watchful early on. The Powerplay was supposed to be seven overs - a shortened one in a rescheduled 34-overs contest, but the clouds had other plans. The game of hide-and-seek continued for hours, with blue sheets going on and off, the super soppers working overtime, and the crowd waiting patiently for a miracle that never arrived. In the end, even the best efforts of the ground staff couldn’t outplay Mother Nature.

2:57 PM IST OKAY, THE INEVITABLE IS HERE - MATCH HAS BEEN ABANDONED! And just like that… the handshakes say it all. The inevitable has happened in Colombo - the 5th time in this tournament, and the rain has won. Again. The umpires had their final inspection, both captains had a word, and the verdict was simple - no more play possible. The match between Pakistan Women and Sri Lanka Women has been officially abandoned due to wet ground conditions. What began as a day full of hope, with covers peeling off and the crowd cheering for a start, ended with drenched spirits and soggy outfields. Both teams walk away sharing points - both heartbroken.

2:35 PM IST UPDATE - 2.18 pm GMT - Mmmm... Another inspection is on the cards, as the on-field umpires will walk out at a scheduled time - 2.20 pm GMT. Okay, here they are, trying to find out and having a chat with the head of the groundstaff along with the fourth umpire. Though the covers are still placed, the clouds are looming over the ground. Both the on-field umpires are having a discussion with both skippers beside the boundary cushions. Let's see what we get to hear next.

2:11 PM IST UPDATE - 2.06 pm GMT - Aha! Again, there is some good news as the rain seems to have eased out for the umpeenth time and the groundstaff are inside the field for their mop-up work. Let's hope that the rain stays away, as we can't afford any more interruptions. The cut-off time is less than one hour now from this point, so fingers crossed. There are some covers getting peeled off, while the super soppers are in their full swing to dry out the ground. Let's wait for the official word!

1:43 PM IST UPDATE - 1.39 pm GMT - ERMMMMMM..... The game of hide and seek continues, and who has made their entry again? Guess... RAIN! The ground is getting covered again, and there comes a thought for the hard-working groundstaff, who are working all their strength. It seems that the drizzle is light, but it has forced them to bring back those big blue sheets to cover the entire playing area. Be with us for more updates!

1:34 PM IST UPDATE - 1.31 pm GMT - Some respite, as the rain seems to have stopped and the covers are getting peeled off gradually. The groundstaff are working very hard to dry out the ground as the super soppers are rolling across the playing field as well. The match will be further chopped down - let's see how many more overs will be cut down. The target for Sri Lanka Women will be adjusted through DLS.

1:27 PM IST UPDATE - 1.22 pm GMT - The rain still continues to pour, and Alan Wilkins has informed on-air that the cut-off time for a 20-overs-per-side is 3.03 pm GMT. For now, the covers are placed all over the ground, and things look gloomy. Let's hope for the best. Stick around for more updates.

1:14 PM IST UPDATE - 1.03 pm GMT - Uh... Oh! The rain has arrived, and both umpires have decided to call off the play for now. The players are walking off, but Chamari Athapaththu doesn't want to as she is standing there, waiting for the rain to slow down. It is literally pelting down. This is going to be another long delay. The big blue sheets have been placed all over the ground, and everything is covered. Strap in for more updates!

2:29 PM IST Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

1:04 PM IST Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

End of over 4.21 run

PAK-W: 18/0CRR: 4.15

Ball

Omaima Sohail:9 (9)

Muneeba Ali:7 (17)

Malki Madara:2.2-0-3-0

4.2

Malki Madara to Omaima Sohail, 1 run

101.2kph

On a length wide of off, Omaima Sohail steps towards the pitch of it and goes for the drive on the front foot. Gets an inside edge past her off-stump for a single towards the fine leg region.

4.1

Malki Madara to Omaima Sohail, no run

101.3kph

Good length on middle and off, Omaima Sohail blocks this one.

End of over 45 runs

PAK-W: 17/0CRR: 4.25

Ball

Muneeba Ali:7 (17)

Omaima Sohail:8 (7)

Sugandika Kumari:2-0-15-0

3.6

Sugandika Kumari to Muneeba Ali, no run

78.9kph

Quicker one on off, Muneeba Ali defends this out.

3.6

Sugandika Kumari to Muneeba Ali, 1 run

76.4kph

WIDE! Full and way too wide outside off, Muneeba Ali leaves it. Wided.

3.5

Sugandika Kumari to Omaima Sohail, 1 run

78.1kph

Straight one, on middle and leg, Omaima Sohail thumps this past the bowler, to her right for a single. Muneeba Ali was caught ball watching for a moment, but a loud call of RUN from her partner saved a mix-up as the batters crossed over.

3.4

Sugandika Kumari to Omaima Sohail, no run

80.2kph

Quicker and flatter on off, Omaima Sohail cuts this to point for no run.

3.3

Sugandika Kumari to Omaima Sohail, 2 runs

79.9kph

Such a pleasing stroke to the eyes from Omaima Sohail. Tossed up, around off, drifting in. Omaima Sohail shifts her body weight on the front foot and drives this through cover for two.

3.2

Sugandika Kumari to Muneeba Ali, 1 run

77.0kph

Short of a length on the pads, Muneeba Ali pulls this flat and hard towards the left of Nilakshika Silva at deep mid-wicket for one.

3.1

Sugandika Kumari to Muneeba Ali, no run

Floated wide of off, Muneeba Ali leaves it all alone.

End of over 31 run

PAK-W: 12/0CRR: 4.00

Ball

Omaima Sohail:5 (4)

Muneeba Ali:6 (14)

Malki Madara:2-0-2-0

2.6

Malki Madara to Omaima Sohail, no run

100.7kph

Good length around off, this doesn't shape in but goes straight. Omaima Sohail plays for the inswing and is beaten on the outside again.

2.5

Malki Madara to Omaima Sohail, no run

99.5kph

WOW! Perfect seam position from Malki Madara, lands it on a length around the fifth stumps and the ball comes in after pitching. Omaima Sohail plays down the wrong line and gets beaten on the outside edge.

2.4

Malki Madara to Muneeba Ali, 1 run

100.2kph

Back of a length on the pads, Muneeba Ali swivels and pulls this towards deep square leg for one.

2.3

Malki Madara to Muneeba Ali, no run

101.3kph

Malki sticks within the sticks, bowls a fuller one, on off, shaping away from the left-hander. Muneeba Ali pushes this to mid off for no run.

2.2

Malki Madara to Muneeba Ali, no run

99.2kph

On a length around off, Muneeba Ali drives this to cover for another dot.

2.1

Malki Madara to Muneeba Ali, no run

Good length, shaping away from the batter around her off. Muneeba Ali gets right on top of it and blocks this out.

End of over 210 runs

PAK-W: 11/0CRR: 5.50

Ball

Omaima Sohail:5 (2)

Muneeba Ali:5 (10)

Sugandika Kumari:1-0-10-0

1.6

Sugandika Kumari to Omaima Sohail, 4 runs

FOUR! Omaima Sohail finds the gap for a boundary, first of the contest. Quicker one, full and wide outside off, Omaima Sohail strides to the pitch of the delivery and drives this all along the carpet through the cover-point region for the first boundary of the contest.

1.5

Sugandika Kumari to Muneeba Ali, 3 runs

76.4kph

Tossed up around middle and leg, Muneeba Ali steps a long way across, goes down on a knee and sweeps it. Gets it off the top edge towards the fine leg region for three runs.

1.4

Sugandika Kumari to Omaima Sohail, 1 run

79.2kph

Low full toss, on off, Omaima Sohail drives this straight to cover but a misfield allows the batters to cross over.

1.3

Sugandika Kumari to Muneeba Ali, 1 run

74.2kph

Flighted, wide of off, Muneeba Ali slices this over the fielder at point and takes a single. This wasn't far from the fielder.

1.2

Sugandika Kumari to Muneeba Ali, no run

76.6kph

Quicker one, on middle and leg, Muneeba Ali rocks back and blocks this towards mid-wicket.

1.2

Sugandika Kumari to Muneeba Ali, 1 run

72.3kph

Floated again, wide of off, Muneeba Ali leaves it all alone. Wided.

1.1

Sugandika Kumari to Muneeba Ali, no run

77.1kph

Floated around off, Muneeba Ali presses in front and punches this to cover for no run.

12:50 PM IST Sugandika Kumari will bowl from the other end.

End of over 11 run

PAK-W: 1/0CRR: 1.00

Ball

Muneeba Ali:1 (6)

Omaima Sohail:0 (0)

Malki Madara:1-0-1-0

0.6

Malki Madara to Muneeba Ali, 1 run

100.8kph

Malki hits the hard length on off, Muneeba Ali dabs this to deep third for a single to end the over. Excellent from Malki Madara as she gives just 1 off the first over.

0.5

Malki Madara to Muneeba Ali, no run

100.7kph

Malki goes full and wide of off, Muneeba Ali leans onto this and drives this to the left of point for yet another dot.

0.4

Malki Madara to Muneeba Ali, no run

99.0kph

Make it four dots in a row from Malki Madara to Muneeba. On a length around off, shaping away from the batter. Muneeba Ali blocks this out.

0.3

Malki Madara to Muneeba Ali, no run

100.2kph

On a length wide of off, Muneeba Ali gives it a good look and leaves it all alone. Three dots in a row to start the contest.

0.2

Malki Madara to Muneeba Ali, no run

Good length, a touch closer to the stumps from Malki and Muneeba Ali dabs this to point for no run.

0.1

Malki Madara to Muneeba Ali, no run

97.3kph

After a lengthy delay in the start of play, we are finally underway here in Colombo. Malki Madara comes over the wicket and bowls a length delivery wide of off, Muneeba Ali leaves it all alone.

12:47 PM IST Done with the pre-match formalities! It is time for the action to finally kick off in Colombo. The players of Sri Lanka Women get into a huddle before they disperse to take their respective positions. Also, out walk the two openers of Pakistan Women. Omaima Sohail will open the innings alongside Muneeba Ali. Malki Madara has the new ball in her hands, and she will start the proceedings. Here we go...

12:39 PM IST Time for the National Anthems! The players of both teams, along with the match officials, have walked out and lined up as the flag has been unfurled for both teams. It will be Pakistan Women's first and then followed by Sri Lanka Women's.

12:35 PM IST Sidra Amin of Pakistan Women is up for a quick chat. She says that it’s a natural thing when matches get washed out, something beyond their control, but the team remains focused on playing good cricket whenever they get the chance. Adds that as a unit, they’ve been pushing hard and are determined to finish the World Cup with a win. Reflecting on her own form, Sidra admits that she hasn’t contributed as much as she would have liked and hopes to make an impact in this game. Praises the bowlers for their consistent performances, saying they’ve done well throughout and she’s confident they’ll step up again today. Looking ahead, she expresses optimism for Pakistan’s growth as a team, mentioning that with domestic leagues expanding back home, the side is slowly building depth and talent for the future. Believes that playing against bigger teams helps them learn, adapt, and grow stronger with every outing.

12:33 PM IST PITCH REPORT - According to Alan Wilkins and Tash Farrant, the pitch is bone-dry and rock-hard, expected to offer seam movement early on and some spin, with plenty of runs on offer. The boundaries have been shortened due to water on the outfield, and the curators have done a great job preparing a brilliant cricket wicket. Batters who get in will be able to cash in on the favourable conditions.

12:25 PM IST The captain of Pakistan Women, Fatima Sana, says that the pitch looks really good for batting, and the plan is to post a competitive total of around 180 to 200. She believes that it’s a surface where every batter can enjoy their shots and wants her side to build strong partnerships through the innings. Adds that the shorter format suits their style, and the focus will be on batting deep and finishing the game well, something they’ve been working hard on as a group. Speaking about team changes, she mentions that Sidra Nawaz and Diana Baig miss out, while Eyman Fatima and another new face come into the XI, whose name she forgets, as Pakistan look to strike the right balance for this contest.

12:24 PM IST Chamari Athapaththu, the skipper of Sri Lanka, has decided to bowl first, citing conditions that will favour the bowlers. Athapaththu acknowledges that Sri Lanka hasn't played their best cricket but has been fortunate in previous games. Adds that she's determined to finish the tournament on a high note with a win in front of the home crowd. Informs that there is one change in the side where Dewmi Vihanga is back in place of Udeshika Prabodhani.

12:25 PM IST Sri Lanka Women (Playing XI) - Vishmi Gunarathne, Chamari Athapaththu (C), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (WK), Dewmi Vihanga (In place of Udeshika Prabodhani), Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, and Inoka Ranaweera.

12:27 PM IST Pakistan Women (Playing XI) - Muneeba Ali (WK), Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (C), Eyman Fatima (In place of Sidra Nawaz), Syeda Aroob Shah (In place of Diana Baig), Rameen Shamim, Nashra Sundhu, and Sadia Iqbal.

12:18 PM IST TOSS - Here are both captains down for the toss. Sri Lanka Women win the toss and they have elected to BOWL first.

12:26 PM IST UPDATE - 12.08 pm GMT - Finally, something positive for the cricket fans across the globe. We have the conditions. Toss is scheduled at 12.15 pm GMT and the first ball to be bowled at 12.45 pm GMT. The game is now further reduced to a 34-over contest per side with the Powerplay to be of 7 overs. Four bowlers can bowl a maximum of 7 overs, while 1 bowler will be allowed to bowl a maximum of 6 overs.

12:12 PM IST UPDATE - 12.05 pm GMT - The rain has cleared completely and the groundstaff is working diligently to repair the wet patches on the outfield. With the stumps erected, it looks like we are preparing for a revised schedule. Fingers crossed that the match officials will announce a start time soon.

12:01 PM IST UPDATE - 11.57 am GMT - The rain has temporarily stopped in Colombo, allowing the groundstaff to quickly remove the covers from the field. This brief respite might enable the match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan to proceed, but the weather forecast still predicts thunderstorms later in the day, which could impact the game's progress. Let's see who wins the contest, either side or rain.

11:54 AM IST UPDATE - 11.41 am GMT - OH.... NOOOOOOOOOOO! Just when everybody thought a start might be around the corner, the rain is back in Colombo, and the ground staff are swiftly covering the ground with those giant blue sheets again. Looks like we'll have another delay before the match gets underway. Strap in for more updates!

11:54 AM IST UPDATE - 11.38 am GMT - It's been a while since the rain in Colombo has stopped, but the aftermath is proving to be a challenge. The ground staff is now faced with the task of repairing the patchy outfield, which has taken a beating from the rain. Okay, here is the good news we all were waiting for - Match officials have confirmed that the toss will take place at 11.40 am GMT, and the game will start at 12.10 pm GMT. The match will be reduced to 38 overs per side, with the first Powerplay set to last 8 overs.

11:28 AM IST UPDATE - 10.52 am GMT - Inspection is going on, and most of the covers have been peeled off now. But there is a wet patch where the super soppers are working on. The on-field umpires are having a close look before they can decide on the starting time. There is a long chat happening between the on-field umpires and the head of the groundstaff. The drying process of that damp area is going on with some effort and energy. Stick around for more updates.

10:34 AM IST UPDATE - 10.29 am GMT - The umpires have walked out now to inspect the field and the pitch, and we can hear about the toss and starting time pretty soon. The rain has stayed away for a while, luckily, and the groundstaff is working hard in their mop-up work to dry out the playing area. The super soppers are rolling across the ground, though the floodlights are turned on already. But dark clouds are looming over the ground there. The blue sheets are getting peeled off gradually. Okay, here is the inspection time - 10.45 am GMT. We'll get a clear picture then. Hop on!

10:13 AM IST UPDATE - 10.06 am GMT - Good news, folks! The drizzle has eased out and the groundstaff have started to do their mop-up work. A sheet has also been removed, but it will take some time to completely dry out the whole ground. Surely, the rain gods have thought to be a bit kinder to us with the time passing, and now, all the signs look very positive with the mopping work happening quickly. Be with us, as the next good update about the toss can come up anytime soon.

9:43 AM IST UPDATE - 9.42 am GMT - Pardon us to disappoint you, as the rain hasn't eased a bit, and the intensity remains high as it was earlier. The waiting game is continuing, and the covers are placed all over the ground with the big blue sheets covering the pitch and the area surrounding it. Hoping for the best, as we know, the groundstaff is hardworking here and can mop up their work quickly once the rain stops. Stick around for more updates.

9:38 AM IST In the previous contest of the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup 2025, India Women secured a spot in the semi-finals with a thrilling 53-run (DLS) victory over New Zealand in a rain-curtailed match at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana smashed centuries, scoring 122 and 109 runs respectively, to help India post a massive total of 340/3 in 49 overs before the rain interrupted the match for a while. New Zealand's Brooke Halliday fought hard with 81 runs, but India's bowlers restricted them to 271/8 in the assigned 44 overs, sealing the win and joining Australia, England, and South Africa in the semi-finals.

9:17 AM IST The head coach of Sri Lanka Women, Rumesh Ratnayake, steps up with a calm smile for a quick chat. He says that it feels wonderful to carry the momentum forward with this team. Mentions that the group has been working hard, and he’s hopeful for another strong performance today. Speaking about Chamari Athapaththu, he notes that she’s been batting beautifully and leading from the front, adding that they would have liked her to bat a bit longer in a few games, but overall, he’s impressed with her consistency and intent. Turning to the younger players, Ratnayake speaks with pride - saying they’ve shown great character and resilience, especially in tough situations, adding that there’s now a perfect blend of youth and experience, something that makes it a delightful squad for any coach to guide. As for the perfect ending to their campaign, he firmly states that the goal is to win all the moments, to set a strong message that this team is here to grow, to compete, and to play good, fearless cricket.

9:14 AM IST UPDATE - 9 am GMT - TOSS IS DELAYED DUE TO RAIN! The ground staff has quickly covered the entire ground to prevent any damage, and the toss is delayed. Given the weather conditions in Colombo, it's not surprising - the city has seen quite a bit of rain disrupting games in this tournament. In fact, four matches have already been rained out at this venue. Fingers crossed, the rain clears up soon and the game can proceed without any further delays!

8:46 AM IST The match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to make a statement and end their World Cup campaign on a positive note. Will the rain allow enough time for a full match, and who will bag the points to finish up in the points table? The stakes might be low, but the pride is still on the line for these two teams. Let's see who comes out on top in this encounter. Stay tuned for toss and team updates.

8:44 AM IST Pakistan Women, on the other hand, are struggling at the bottom of the table with just two points from six games, both of which came from rain-affected matches. They've yet to win a single game in the tournament. In their last match against South Africa, they fell agonisingly short, losing by a massive 150 runs on the DLS method. With nothing to lose, Pakistan might look to cause an upset and give Sri Lanka a run for their money. The bowling of Pakistan Women has done well, but the batters have let them down big time.

8:41 AM IST Both teams have already been eliminated from the semi-final race, but they're looking to end their campaign on a high note. Sri Lanka Women are sixth on the points table with four points from six matches, having won one and lost three, with two matches washed out. They recently pulled off a thrilling seven-run win over Bangladesh, courtesy of Chamari Athapaththu's bowling in the final over. Despite being the co-hosts, Sri Lanka's batting has been inconsistent, but they've shown glimpses of brilliance, particularly from Hasini Perera and Nilakshika Silva. The side will need a collective performance to end the tournament on a high note.

8:35 AM IST Welcome to the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 Match no. 25. The top four teams have already been decided, with Australia, South Africa, England, and India securing their spots in the semi-finals. Now, the battle is on for seeding and bragging rights. The final round of the tournament begins with this contest between Sri Lanka Women and Pakistan Women at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

8:31 AM IST ... MATCHDAY ...

11:50 PM IST We’ve reached the final set of league games in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025, and while the semi-final picture is almost complete, there’s still plenty to play for as Sri Lanka Women take on Pakistan Women in Match 25. Sri Lanka still have an 'outside chance' of sneaking into the top four if they win big and a few other results go their way, while Pakistan - already out of contention - will want to sign off on a high after a campaign where the rub of the green just didn’t go their way. Sri Lanka’s tournament have been a case of 'what could have been'. Rain played spoilsport in a couple of their fixtures, and in others, they let strong positions slip away. The experienced Chamari Athapaththu has once again been the backbone of their batting, playing a couple of fine knocks at the top, while Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nilakshika Silva have been consistent but could have converted their starts into something more impactful. However, Hasini Perera at the top has been a revelation and played a fantastic knock of 85 against Bangladesh which proved to be a match-winning one. Their bowling attack, led by Inoka Ranaweera and Udeshika Prabodhani , has shown discipline, and Sugandika Kumari’s control in the middle overs has been key. In the last game, the skipper came in clutch, picking up 3 wickets in the last over and successfully defended 8 runs to win a thriller. However, their finishing both with bat and ball has often lacked sharpness, something they’ll want to correct in this final outing. Pakistan, on the other hand, have been one of the unluckiest teams this tournament. Two of their matches were washed out, denying them valuable points, and they also gave defending champions Australia a real scare - a game that could have changed everything had they held their nerve in the final stages. Muneeba Ali and Omaima Sohail have provided solid starts, while skipper Fatima Sana has led from the front with all-round contributions. Diana Baig’s pace and Aliya Riaz's late-order hitting have been bright spots, but their inability to close out games and not being able to build significant partnerships has cost them dearly. With both sides eager to finish their campaigns positively, expect a spirited contest in what has been a rain-hit and unpredictable group stage. For Sri Lanka, it’s about keeping their faint semi-final hopes alive, and for Pakistan, it’s about pride, redemption, and ending on the right note after a frustrating run of near misses.

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