COLOMBO: The wet spell in Colombo showed no signs of letting up as the World Cup match between Pakistan and New Zealand was played out at the R Premadasa Stadium on Saturday.
After the outbreak, South Africa advanced to the semi-finals with eight points in five games, second only to Australia.
It was deja vu in the Sri Lankan capital as a fourth match of the tournament had to be abandoned due to rain, while several others were a stop-start affair thanks to the fickle skies in Colombo.
The previous day’s match between Sri Lanka and South Africa was reduced to 20 overs and despite the tireless work of the ground staff, only 25 overs were possible in the Pakistan-New Zealand encounter.
Down to bat, Pakistan never found their rhythm and limped to 92-5 when the heavens opened again.
The players rushed in as lightning flashed across the skyline and match officials advised the ground staff to leave the field.
Earlier, Pakistan were 52-3 when the first stoppage arrived and play resumed, reducing the match to 46 overs. But there would be no resumption after the second rain break.
“We were in a good position and we waited for the rain to stop. This is disappointing when you wait four years to play a World Cup. It’s a real shame. Now we have to win both of our remaining matches,” said New Zealand captain Sophie Devine.
For New Zealand, both matches in Colombo were abandoned due to rain, with their previous encounter against Sri Lanka also affected.
The White Ferns now have four points, level with India, although the latter occupies fourth place thanks to a superior Net Run Rate with a match in hand.
Pakistan, meanwhile, remains winless; three defeats and two no results tell the sad story of their campaign.
New Zealand’s attack made waves early, with sailors Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu reaching the right areas to make the first breakthroughs. The spinners then tightened the screws, with Amelia Kerr and Eden Carson sharing the spoils.
The White Ferns were also razor sharp in the field. Veteran Suzie Bates plucked a stunner at mid-wicket to send back opener Muneeba Ali (22), while Carson threw himself full length at point to catch Sidra Amin (nine).
“We were looking at around 180. We know we have some good spinners and we could have put pressure on them,” Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana said.
