As the ICC Women’s World Cup heats up, New Zealand and Pakistan head into a crucial face-off in Colombo — one team chasing a semi-final dream, the other clinging to survival. Rain threatens to play spoilsport, but if the skies clear, expect a spin-friendly contest with plenty at stake.
Pressure Mounts in the Race to the Semis
New Zealand enter this clash knowing their future is still in their own hands. Win their next three games — against Pakistan, India, and England — and they’ll lock a semi-final spot with nine points. But that’s a tall order.
Pakistan’s situation is more desperate. Stuck at the bottom of the table with just one point and the worst net run rate, they need to win all their remaining matches to even have a chance. And even then, their fate depends on how other results fall. A clean sweep from here would be nothing short of a miracle.
Still, Pakistan will take heart in knowing they’ve shown flashes of fight. Losses to heavyweights India and Australia were one-sided, but their match against England could’ve turned their way if not for the rain. They’ll hope for clearer skies — and clearer chances — in Colombo.
Pakistan’s Strength Lies in Their Bowling
If there’s one department keeping Pakistan’s hopes alive, it’s their bowling. Captain Fatima Sana has led by example, grabbing nine wickets so far and troubling top batters across teams. Colombo’s conditions — where early overs can be tricky for batters — might suit her perfectly.
With spinners Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu in the mix, Pakistan have the variety to challenge any side. The issue, though, is the batting. Collapses have been a regular story, and the lineup has struggled to post defendable totals.
New Zealand: Flashes of Brilliance, But No Consistency
New Zealand’s campaign has been a mix of promise and frustration. They’ve had moments of brilliance — like bowling out Bangladesh cheaply — but haven’t quite put together a complete game. Sophie Devine has been a steady presence with the bat, though the team needs more firepower from the middle order.
With India and England looming after Pakistan, this match is their best chance to find form and momentum.
Players to Watch: Diana Baig and Lea Tahuhu
For Pakistan, Diana Baig has had an up-and-down year. Despite picking up 17 wickets in 12 matches — her best season so far — her high economy rate has often cost the team runs at key stages. Against a batting-heavy New Zealand side, she’ll need to tighten things up.
Meanwhile, New Zealand pacer Lea Tahuhu could return to the XI after being rested against Sri Lanka. She loves bowling against Pakistan — conceding just 3.7 runs per over in 11 ODIs — and will be eager to make an impact again.
Probable XIs
New Zealand: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (capt), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson, Lea Tahuhu.
Pakistan: Omaima Sohail, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Fatima Sana (capt), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal.
Weather and Pitch
Colombo’s unpredictable skies could make this another rain-affected game. If play goes ahead, spinners are likely to dominate as the pitch slows down later in the day.
Numbers You Should Know
- Suzie Bates is just 75 runs away from the 6,000-run milestone in ODIs.
- She’s also 68 runs short of overtaking Charlotte Edwards to become the second-highest run-getter in Women’s ODIs.
- Bates averages a stunning 72.83 against Pakistan — only Stafanie Taylor has scored more runs versus them.
- New Zealand hold a 15–1 record over Pakistan in ODIs; Pakistan’s last win came way back in 2017.
What They’re Saying
“Pakistan have really tested top teams — they had Australia 60 for 6 and England 70 for 7. Their bowling is a real threat.”
— Ben Sawyer, New Zealand Head Coach
“We can still make the semis if we win the next three games. The door’s not closed yet.”
— Omaima Sohail, Pakistan Batter
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