Pakistan’s Campaign Ends in Disappointment
Pakistan’s Women’s Cricket Team endured a deeply disappointing ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign, crashing out of the tournament without a single win. The exit came after a crushing defeat against South Africa in Colombo — a result that also gave Pakistan an unwanted place in cricket history as the first team to leave the competition without a victory. Earlier in the tournament, they had struggled against New Zealand as well; read more about that match here: Pakistan Women Aim for First Win Against New Zealand in ICC World Cup.
The result has sparked renewed questions about the future of women’s cricket in Pakistan, highlighting the urgent need for stronger domestic structures, better preparation, and consistent international exposure.
Match Disrupted by Rain, But South Africa Dominate
In their final group-stage match against South Africa, Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first — a decision that was immediately challenged by the weather. Rain interrupted play just two overs into the South African innings, forcing match officials to reduce the contest to 40 overs per side.
Despite the shortened format, South Africa’s batters made full use of the conditions. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt led from the front with a fluent 90 runs, while Marizanne Kapp remained unbeaten on 68 and Suné Luus added a valuable 61. Their efforts helped South Africa post a formidable total of 312 for 9 in 40 overs — a daunting task for any team under overcast skies and on a damp outfield.
For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu each claimed three wickets, while Fatima Sana picked up one. However, the bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs as South Africa’s middle order counterattacked aggressively in the later overs.
Rain Alters the Chase, Pakistan Crumble Under Pressure
Just before the start of Pakistan’s chase, heavy rain once again disrupted proceedings. After a lengthy delay, match officials further revised the game, reducing Pakistan’s innings to 20 overs with a revised target of 234 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
The equation was nearly impossible, and Pakistan never looked settled. Facing disciplined South African bowling, the Pakistani batters crumbled under pressure, managing only 83 for 7 in their 20 overs.
Sidra Nawaz top-scored with 22 runs, while Natalia Pervaiz contributed 20, and Sidra Ameen added 13. No other player reached double figures, exposing once again the team’s fragile batting lineup.
South Africa’s bowlers were relentless. Marizanne Kapp capped off a superb all-round performance with three wickets, while Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka, and Masabata Klaas shared the remaining scalps.
A Tournament to Forget for Pakistan
With this defeat, Pakistan’s campaign came to an abrupt and disappointing end. They failed to win any of their group matches — a record that no other team in Women’s World Cup history has held before.
The team’s performance has drawn criticism from former players and analysts, who argue that despite flashes of talent, Pakistan’s lack of consistency and tactical clarity continue to hinder progress.
In contrast, other emerging teams such as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have shown gradual improvement, making Pakistan’s stagnation even more concerning for fans and officials alike.
Calls for Change in Pakistan Women’s Cricket
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to face mounting pressure to review its women’s cricket program. Experts have repeatedly pointed out gaps in domestic competition, coaching quality, and player development.
While individual players like Nida Dar, Fatima Sana, and Nashra Sandhu have shown potential on the international stage, the team’s collective performance remains far below expectations.
Former captain Sana Mir, speaking to local media recently, emphasized that investment in grassroots cricket and long-term planning are essential if Pakistan is to compete seriously at the global level.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 Women’s World Cup moves into the knockout stages, Pakistan will watch from the sidelines — once again reflecting on what went wrong. For a nation passionate about cricket, this latest setback serves as a wake-up call.
Improved domestic structures, better fitness standards, and exposure to international leagues could be key to reversing Pakistan’s declining fortunes in women’s cricket. Until then, the team’s early exit from the tournament will remain a sobering reminder of the challenges that still lie ahead.
