Rain Threat Over India-Pakistan Women's World Cup Clash in Colombo
On Sunday, 5 October 2025, the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 was set to host a high‑stakes encounter between the Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the India women's cricket team and Naja Choudhary, skipper of the Pakistan women's cricket team. The showdown was to unfold at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, but an approaching rain front threatened to turn the pitch into a wash‑out.
Background: India vs Pakistan in Women’s ODIs
Historically, India has dominated Pakistan in the limited‑overs format. The two nations have met eleven times in Women’s One‑Day Internationals, and India has never suffered a defeat. The narrowest victory came in the 2013 World Cup, when India chased down the target with six wickets in hand. The biggest margin was an 80‑run demolition in December 2006, when India posted 225‑4 and bowled out Pakistan for 145.
Both sides entered the tournament with contrasting narratives. India, fresh off a win against England in their opening match, were eyeing a top‑two finish to secure a semi‑final berth. Pakistan, on the other hand, had endured a heavy loss to Bangladesh and were desperate for points to keep their hopes alive.
Match Details and Weather Forecast
Play was slated to begin at 3:00 p.m. Indian Standard Time (10:30 a.m. local time), with the toss scheduled for 2:30 p.m. IST. The stadium’s pitch is traditionally batting‑friendly, offering even bounce and a little extra pace. However, the forecast called for 70 % humidity and a 35 % chance of showers between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., prompting officials to keep a reserve day on standby.
Temperatures for the day were expected to hover between a high of 28 °C and a low of 24 °C, fairly mild for Colombo in October. Still, the combination of moisture‑laden air and a damp outfield could give seamers an edge, especially those who can swing the ball in humid conditions. Spin bowlers, accustomed to the low‑pace turn on Sri Lankan wickets, also had a chance to exploit the drying surface should the rain hold off.
The ICC’s playing‑conditions handbook states that if less than 20 overs are completed in each innings, the match is abandoned and each side receives one point. If a minimum of 20 overs are bowled by the side batting second, the result is decided by the Duckworth‑Lewis‑Stern method.
Rain Disruptions in the Tournament So Far
Rain has already played spoilsport in Colombo this World Cup. On 24 October 2025, a contest between the Sri Lanka women’s cricket team and Pakistan was abandoned after just 4.2 overs, with Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu having won the toss and opted to field. Young bowler Devami Vihanga took two wickets before the heavens opened.
That match ended with each side receiving three points, underscoring how the weather can skew the points table. The same stadium has now seen two matches in the same tournament threatened by rain, raising concerns that the venue’s drainage system may not be up to the task.
Implications for Both Teams
If the game proceeds and India clinches a win, they would move to 6 points, comfortably within the top‑four and likely to secure a semi‑final spot based on net run rate. A wash‑out would leave both teams on 4 points, keeping the door ajar for India but potentially sealing Pakistan’s fate, as they would need a win plus a bonus‑point victory in their next match to stay afloat.
Coach Rohini Hooja of India emphasized the importance of adapting to conditions: “We’ve trained for a wet outfield. If the ball sticks, our spinners can make a real impact.” Pakistan’s coach, Saqlain Mushtaq, was more cautious: “A rain‑interrupted match could be a lottery. We’re focusing on a solid start regardless of the weather.”
Beyond points, the psychological edge is at stake. India’s unbeaten streak against Pakistan is a source of national pride, while Pakistan is eager to break the jinx and prove they can compete at the highest level.
What Comes Next?
The ICC has earmarked 7 October 2025 as a reserve day for the fixture, should the original schedule be abandoned. If the match cannot be completed even on the reserve day, both sides will share the points and the tournament schedule will move on to the next group‑stage encounter.
Looking ahead, India will face the Australia women’s cricket team on 9 October, a clash that could cement their semi‑final berth. Pakistan, meanwhile, must regroup for their final group game against South Africa women’s cricket team on 10 October, a match that may determine whether they exit the tournament outright.
- Match date: 5 Oct 2025 (reserve: 7 Oct 2025)
- Venue: R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo
- Key players: Harmanpreet Kaur (India), Naja Choudhary (Pakistan)
- India’s ODI record vs Pakistan: 11‑0
- Potential rain impact: 1‑point award per side if abandoned early
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the rain threat affect India's chances of advancing?
If the match is called off before 20 overs each, India and Pakistan split the points, leaving India on 4 points and Pakistan on 4 points. India would still be ahead of Bangladesh and South Africa on net‑run‑rate, preserving a realistic path to the semi‑finals. A full‑time win, however, would give India a cushion of 6 points, virtually guaranteeing progression.
What is India's historical record against Pakistan in Women's ODIs?
India has faced Pakistan eleven times in Women's One‑Day Internationals and emerged victorious in every encounter. The closest match was the 2013 World Cup where India won by six wickets, while the largest margin was an 80‑run win in December 2006.
Which teams have already been eliminated from the 2025 Women's World Cup?
As of 6 October 2025, the Ireland women’s cricket team and Netherlands women’s cricket team have no mathematical chance to finish in the top four, effectively ending their tournament campaigns.
When is the rescheduled match likely to be played if abandoned?
The ICC’s contingency plan designates 7 October 2025 as the reserve day for the India‑Pakistan fixture. Should weather still prevent a result, the match will be declared a no‑result, and points will be shared.
What does the pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium typically favor?
The R. Premadasa pitch is known for its balanced nature. In dry conditions it offers consistent bounce for pace bowlers, while the turn can become pronounced as the surface wears. Moisture from rain often adds seam movement, making early overs tricky for batters.
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