England prevented a shock defeat by Pakistan on the Ladies’s World Cup, being saved by heavy rain in Colombo.
An impressed bowling efficiency from Pakistan noticed England droop to 79-7 after 25 overs earlier than the primary heavy downpour started.
After a prolonged delay, the rain eased and play resumed at 31 overs per aspect, with England posting 133-9 after a helpful stand of 47 between Charlie Dean, who top-scored with 33, and Em Arlott.
Pakistan have been set a revised goal of 113 and made a promising begin by reaching 34-0 earlier than the rain resumed and denied them a historic victory, which might have been their first one-day worldwide win over England.
It was a lucky escape for England who suffered their second batting scare of the match, after they recovered from 78-5 to beat Bangladesh, and a giant wake-up name earlier than their hardest challenges in opposition to India and Australia which come subsequent.
Nat Sciver-Brunt’s aspect have been outplayed by Pakistan, who’re winless within the match thus far, as 5 wickets fell within the powerplay, together with one other failure for the opening partnership. Tammy Beaumont was the primary to fall, bowled after leaving an outstanding supply from Diana Baig which nipped again sharply.
Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana then starred with three wickets, bowling Amy Jones for eight, earlier than claiming the 2 important scalps of Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight, bowled and lbw for 4 and 18 respectively.
With out their two most skilled gamers, England have been uncovered and caught between assault and defence.
Sophia Dunkley and Alice Capsey have been lbw sweeping and Emma Lamb’s struggles at quantity six continued as she was bowled by spinner Sadia Iqbal for 4.
Capsey and Charlie Dean withstood Pakistan’s array of spinners for 70 balls however solely added 21 runs earlier than the stress instructed on the previous, however Dean was proactive as soon as play resumed by including helpful runs with Arlott.
Pakistan openers Omaima Sohail and Muneeba Ali have been assured at first of their reply and England have been sloppy with the ball, however it’s one other heartbreak for them having diminished defending champions Australia to 76-7 earlier than that recreation additionally slipped from their grasp.
England now journey to Indore to face India and Australia earlier than they conclude the group stage in opposition to New Zealand in Visakhapatnam, the place flatter pitches are anticipated at each venues.
They are going to be hopeful Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell, who have been disregarded of the XI in Colombo for Sarah Glenn and Em Arlott, will recuperate from sickness in time.
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