The Pakistan Women vs New Zealand Women match was played on October 18, 2025, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo as part of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. This was the 19th group stage match where New Zealand’s captain Sophie Devine won the toss and chose to bowl first.
Pakistan fielded the same team as before, aiming to secure their first victory in the tournament as they had only one point and were at the bottom of the standings. New Zealand made one change, recalling pacer Lea Tahuhu to strengthen their bowling attack. Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana expressed confidence, stating that a score above 250 would be a good target, and the team had the belief to beat New Zealand.
The pitch was balanced for both batting and bowling, but early in the innings, Pakistan showed promise, reaching 26 runs without loss in the first five overs, thanks to a solid start by Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin. However, New Zealand’s bowlers, especially Lea Tahuhu, made crucial breakthroughs. Tahuhu took two wickets, including Sidra Amin, who scored 9 runs off 16 balls before being caught in a stunning catch.
Rain interrupted the match multiple times, causing stoppages and affecting the flow of the game. The match was delayed and hampered by rain, making conditions difficult for both teams, especially impacting Pakistan’s chase. Pakistan’s batting has been under scrutiny in the tournament, with low scores of 114, 159, and 129 in previous games and only once crossing 200 runs.
Despite their struggles, Pakistan fought hard with players like Aliya Riaz and Sidra Amin contributing valuable runs. New Zealand, sitting fifth in the points table, aimed to secure a fourth win to keep their semi-final chances alive.
summary, this match highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams. Pakistan was eager to get their maiden win of the tournament, while New Zealand aimed to solidify their position. Rain delays added uncertainty, but the performances of key players like Lea Tahuhu for New Zealand and Fatima Sana’s leadership for Pakistan were significant talking points. The match ended up reflecting the challenges Pakistan faced in this World Cup but also the improvements and determination shown by their team. This encounter was a crucial part of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 and showcased the rising standards of women’s cricket globally
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