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Pakistan narrowly missed out on their inaugural ODI win versus the English side at the Colombo venue this Wednesday, arriving at 34 without loss in pursuit of a DLS-adjusted target totaling 113 runs ahead of torrential downpours cut short their aspirations to achieve a milestone.

England's Batting Struggles

England’s batting has stumbled from one disaster to another in this tournament – they had to be bailed out by Heather Knight against Bangladesh and Nat Sciver-Brunt's performance against Sri Lanka – in this match it seemed as if their frailties would return to haunt them, when they crumbled to 79 runs with seven wickets down during the first 25 overs.

Showers and Resumption

Postponed first by rain of almost four hours, The English side resumed to score another 54 runs – however, Pakistan's opening pair the duo of Ali and Sohail looked to be making short work of the chase, helped by the absence of England’s key strike bowlers Lauren Bell and Sophie Ecclestone through illness. Solely more showers spared England embarrassment.

"The Pakistani bowlers performed superbly and posed serious challenges for us to get into the game at all,” the English skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt told Sky Sports. "We didn't meet the standard and we’ll hold our hands up. All players are training excellently and I guess it’s about figuring out how to perform similarly during games.”

Tournament Implications

The washed-out game means that England stay on track to advance to the semifinals provided they secure victory one out of their remaining three group matches versus India, Australia and New Zealand.

Pitch Conditions and Bowling Dominance

This tournament has so far been a haven for spinners, but here it was significant swing that posed difficulties against the English opening lineup, after massive rainfall a day before which washed out the remaining portion of the Sri Lankan contest against New Zealand. Pakistan’s young captain Sana sent down an outstanding spell with figures of 5-1-19-3, including a wicket maiden first up, getting Amy Jones out through the defense via an inward-moving ball.

Crucial Instances and Review System

Knight once again saved herself using a prompt Decision Review System appeal versus Sana which was missing leg stump, only for the Pakistan captain to take two wickets in the following over with two more swinging balls – one which the captain deflected onto the stumps, and a second which hit Knight right in front.

Earlier, The English opener had left the ball facing Diana Baig and got bowled by a delivery that came back which clipped the top of the off stump, while it was the left-arm bowling by Sadia Iqbal which did for Dunkley and Lamb.

Event Planning Issues

Questions may be raised concerning the determination to stage half of the World Cup in Colombo amid the wet period, considering this is the third canceled match at the venue – however England will merely breathe a sigh of relief as they move on to Indore.