NZ-W vs PAK-W Match 19 Results

4:08 PM IST Well, it’s official! THE GAME HAS BEEN ABANDONED. It continues to rain, and despite a couple of breaks, it was simply not possible to get the ground ready for play before the cut-off time, even if it were to stop right now. With this outcome, SOUTH AFRICA HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THE SEMIS. It is the second consecutive no result for both sides and they share a point each. When the fixtures were announced, the White Ferns would have fancied their chances against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, hoping to claim four points, but the rain has limited them to two. This takes their tally to 4 points from 5 games, with a solitary win and two washouts. As a result, their remaining games against India and England become even more crucial. For Pakistan, it is equally frustrating, as they had pushed Australia and England hard here in Colombo, and had the rain allowed play, they could have challenged for a strong result. They remain the only team without a win and are anchored at the bottom with just 2 points from 5 games, both earned through washouts. They still have games left against South Africa and Sri Lanka and remain mathematically in contention for a semifinal spot.

4:01 PM IST Up next for the White Ferns is a clash against India on Thursday, 23rd October in Navi Mumbai, while Pakistan will take on South Africa here in Colombo on Tuesday, 21st October. A blockbuster encounter awaits on Sunday, 19th October, as India face England at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. It rained in Indore on Saturday, but we hope for better fortunes on Sunday. The first ball will be bowled at 9.30 am GMT, and as always, do join us early for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!

3:59 PM IST You might be wondering how South Africa have already qualified when England, India, and New Zealand can still catch up with them if they lose their remaining two games. The reason lies in the tiebreaker rules. If teams finish on equal points, the first criterion is the number of wins, not net run rate. For example, New Zealand currently have 4 points. If they beat India and England, they would reach 8 points. India, if they beat Bangladesh and England, would also reach 8 points. England, if they beat Australia, would reach 9 points. If South Africa lose both of their remaining matches, they too would be on 8 points. In that case, the number of wins is counted first to separate the teams, and net run rate only comes into play if the wins are equal.

3:56 PM IST Earlier, after the toss went their way, New Zealand chose to bowl first, with rain and the possibility of the DLS method looming. Pakistan’s openers got off to a steady start, though Omaima Sohail struggled to get going, while Muneeba Ali looked fluent, striking four delightful boundaries in her brisk 22. The White Ferns were not at their best with the ball, but Lea Tahuhu stood out and reduced Pakistan to 52 for 3 when rain brought the first interruption. After more than an hour’s delay, play resumed with the game reduced to 46 overs a side. Aliya Riaz and Natalia Pervaiz steadied the innings with a useful partnership, but just as they were beginning to settle, Pervaiz perished trying to attack Eden Carson. Amelia Kerr then produced a beauty to dismiss Fatima Sana, and before Pakistan could recover, rain returned once again with the score being 92/5 after 25 overs, and the game never resumed.

3:55 PM IST Pakistan's skipper, Fatima Sana says that the team got a good start but lost a few wickets. She believes they had a chance to reach 180 and expresses confidence in the bowling unit, given the way they have performed here in Colombo. She hopes the batters will have a better performance in the next game. Overall, she is happy with the bowling but acknowledges that the batting needs improvement. She emphasises the importance of playing well in the remaining matches. Regarding the pitches in Colombo, she observes that although it is expected to assist spinners, she finds movement and enjoys bowling on it. On her captaincy, she admits it is challenging because the team is not winning, but she appreciates the support from her teammates and enjoys leading the side.

3:53 PM IST The skipper of New Zealand, Sophie Devine, believes that they were hoping to get back on the park, given that even after 5 hours of rain break South Africa and Sri Lanka managed to get back on the park. Believes that they were in a better position but it's extremely frustrating to wait for four years for the World Cup, but the rain has a major say. Adds that everyone in the dressing room is unhappy with their luck, as they wanted to play cricket. Also says that they need to bag the last two wins in the group stage. Ends up saying that it is going to be a challenge to play India but they will look forward to the challenge.