The highly anticipated ICC Women’s World Cup clash between co-hosts Sri Lanka and defending champions Australia in Colombo was unfortunately abandoned on Saturday. Persistent, heavy rain at the R. Premadasa Stadium made any play impossible, resulting in both teams sharing a point from the fixture.
The R. Premadasa Stadium, which was poised to host the exciting encounter, remained under covers due to the relentless downpour, frustrating fans and players alike.
Despite completing their warm-up routines and being ready for the toss, heavy showers descended upon the stadium, forcing the ground staff to cover the pitch. The weather refused to clear, and after an agonizing wait, the match was officially called off at 5:33 PM local time without a single ball bowled or even the toss taking place.
Australia had approached this game with confidence, following a convincing victory over New Zealand. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, was eager to bounce back after a tough defeat to India in their opening match. This unfortunate washout, however, denied both teams a crucial opportunity to assess their form and refine their strategies early in the tournament.
Concerns are now mounting for Sunday’s marquee India-Pakistan clash, also scheduled at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Weather forecasts predict more rain in the next 24 hours, casting a significant shadow over what promises to be a pivotal match.
Australia will stay in Colombo to prepare for their next fixture against Pakistan on Wednesday, while Sri Lanka faces a longer wait before their clash with England next Saturday. The abandoned game has undeniably added an element of uncertainty to the tournament schedule, with organizers now closely monitoring the weather to prevent further disruptions.