The ICC Women’s World Cup in Colombo has been repeatedly interrupted by relentless rain, and sadly, Friday’s group-stage encounter between Sri Lanka and Pakistan was no exception. The match at the R Premadasa Stadium was ultimately abandoned without a result, a frustrating fifth washout at this venue during the tournament.
The persistent showers, a recurring theme in the Sri Lankan capital, returned after just 4.2 overs, with Pakistan having scored 18 runs without losing any wickets after being sent in to bat. Despite the dedicated efforts of the ground staff to prepare the field for play, the continuous downpour left officials with no choice but to call off the match around 8:10 pm local time.
This follows an earlier delay of more than three hours for the toss, caused by wet conditions and strong winds, further adding to the frustration for both players and fans. The fact that this is the fifth washout in just eleven matches at the Khettarama venue has led to significant concerns regarding the tournament’s scheduling, especially considering it coincides with the Northeast monsoon season, which typically brings heavy rainfall to the region in October.
The abandonment dealt a severe blow to Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign. The host nation now stands fifth in the group stage with only five points (one win, three losses, and three no-results), effectively ending their hopes of reaching the semifinals.
Pakistan’s tournament journey also concluded on a disappointing note, as they finished without a single victory, accumulating just three points from three washouts in their seven matches.
Beyond the immediate disappointment, this abandoned fixture may also signify a poignant moment for Sri Lanka’s long-serving captain, Chamari Athapaththu. Having led her team with distinction for over a decade, this was widely anticipated to be her final appearance in an ODI World Cup. While no official announcement has been made, the 35-year-old would likely depart with a mix of pride and heartbreak, her final World Cup effort at home once again marred by the unforgiving weather.