New Zealand won the toss and chose to field first. The White Ferns were rearing to go, and Lea Tahuhu took two wickets, those of Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin, in her first spell.  

Sisters Jess and Amelia Kerr took a wicket each, as did Eden Carson, to leave Pakistan in dire straits on 92 for five in the 25th over, when the rain came down in buckets and no further play was possible.

New Zealand and Pakistan will share points, which leaves South Africa on eight points. If two or more teams finish on the same points, it will first be seen who has more wins, and South Africa will progress with four wins already from five games.

‘You wait four years’

After the game, New Zealand’s captain Sophie Devine shared her frustration. “You wait four years for a World Cup, and to have rain play such a massive part in it is disappointing. 

“I hope in future editions they think about playing the games earlier in the day. We’ve obviously seen here the rain usually comes in the afternoon, so there is an opportunity to potentially play these games at 10:00 or 11:00 and try and get a game in. 

“Because that’s what all these teams want, is to be able to play cricket. You’ve waited for so long, and you want to test yourself against the best and to be scuppered by rain, it’s a real shame for me," she said.

‘Have been washed out’

Four of the nine matches so far in Colombo have been washed out, including three of the last four. Six teams are now in contention for the remaining two spots, which will most likely go to India and England.

If India can win their three remaining matches, they will play the semi-finals on their own terms. Their remaining matches will be against England, New Zealand, and Bangladesh.

One win for England in their remaining three matches will be enough to move forward without relying on other results, but their last three games are against India, Australia, and New Zealand.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg