The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 continues to deliver thrilling drama both on and off the field. However, the much-anticipated clash between Pakistan Women and New Zealand Women in Colombo ended in disappointment as rain played spoilsport, resulting in a no result. While fans were left waiting for the action to resume, this outcome had a significant impact on the tournament — South Africa Women officially became the second team to qualify for the semi-finals.
This washout reshaped the points table and added a twist to the knockout race, making the road tougher for several other teams still vying for a spot in the top four.
Rain Plays Spoilsport in Colombo
Cricket and rain — a combination that fans dread but can’t avoid — once again stole the spotlight in Colombo. Both teams, Pakistan Women and New Zealand Women, came into the match with hopes of reviving their campaigns. Unfortunately, persistent rain throughout the day meant not a single ball could be bowled.
The ground staff made every effort to clear the waterlogged field, but the downpour kept returning, eventually forcing officials to call off the match. The decision meant both sides shared one point each, leaving the fans disappointed and the tournament standings shaken.
How the No-Result Benefited South Africa
The no-result between Pakistan and New Zealand proved to be a blessing in disguise for South Africa Women, who have been in spectacular form throughout the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
South Africa had already built a strong foundation with multiple victories against top teams like India, England, and Sri Lanka, and were sitting comfortably in the top half of the table. The shared points from the Colombo washout ensured that no other team could overtake them in the qualification race, confirming their place in the semi-finals.
For South Africa, this is a massive moment — a validation of their consistency and dominance in this year’s competition. They now join Australia Women, who were the first team to book a semi-final berth earlier in the week.
Current Standings: A Tight Race for the Final Spots
The washout didn’t just help South Africa; it also complicated matters for others. Here’s how the points table looked following the match:
- Australia Women – Qualified ✅
- South Africa Women – Qualified ✅
- India Women – Strong contention for qualification
- England Women – Battling for consistency
- Pakistan Women – Needed wins, now face uphill task
- New Zealand Women – Struggling with form and weather
- Sri Lanka Women – Out of contention
- West Indies Women – Early exit
The fight for the remaining two semi-final spots is now more intense than ever. India and England remain favorites to join Australia and South Africa, but one surprise result could still shake things up.
South Africa’s Journey So Far
The South Africa Women’s cricket team has been on a mission this World Cup. Under the leadership of Laura Wolvaardt, they’ve shown remarkable composure and teamwork. Their top-order batting has been exceptional, with Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, and Chloe Tryon providing stability and flair.
On the bowling front, Ayabonga Khaka, Shabnim Ismail, and Nonkululeko Mlaba have kept opponents under pressure with their accuracy and wicket-taking ability. The Proteas’ balance between bat and ball has been their biggest strength.
Every match has reflected South Africa’s hunger to go beyond the semi-finals this time — a stage where they’ve fallen short in previous editions.
Impact on Pakistan and New Zealand
For both Pakistan Women and New Zealand Women, the washout came at the worst possible time.
Pakistan were hoping to build momentum after a spirited win earlier in the tournament. Their bowling attack, led by Nida Dar and Fatima Sana, has shown promise, but inconsistent batting performances have held them back. Losing out on a chance to play in Colombo hurt their chances of making it to the top four.
Similarly, New Zealand Women, led by Sophie Devine, have struggled for rhythm this tournament. The no-result means they now face an almost impossible path to the semi-finals, with qualification depending heavily on other results.
Reactions from Teams and Officials
After the match was called off, both captains expressed their frustration but acknowledged that weather is an uncontrollable factor.
Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof said,
“It’s disappointing, especially when you’re prepared and ready to compete. Every point matters at this stage, but we have to accept that nature had other plans.”
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine shared similar sentiments:
“We were really looking forward to this contest. It’s unfortunate because our team needed a win. But that’s the beauty and heartbreak of cricket — you can prepare for everything except the rain.”
Meanwhile, South Africa’s camp celebrated quietly, knowing that the no-result had confirmed their semi-final berth. Coach Hilton Moreeng praised his team’s consistency, saying,
“Our girls have earned this. Qualification wasn’t luck — it’s the result of discipline, focus, and teamwork. Now the next goal is the final.”
Why South Africa’s Qualification Matters
South Africa’s qualification for the semi-finals is more than just a statistic — it’s a symbol of growth for women’s cricket in the country. Over the past few years, South Africa has invested heavily in its women’s program, building depth and nurturing young talent.
Their success in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 demonstrates how far they’ve come. The team’s fitness, fielding standards, and mental toughness have improved significantly, making them one of the most complete sides in the competition.
For fans back home, this qualification brings immense pride and hope — could this finally be the year South Africa lift the Women’s ODI World Cup trophy?
Looking Ahead: The Semi-Finals and Beyond
With Australia and South Africa through, the remaining two semi-final spots are likely to be decided in the next few matches. Teams like India and England will be keen to avoid slip-ups, while Pakistan and New Zealand must now rely on mathematical miracles to keep their campaigns alive.
As the tournament heads toward its climax, weather remains an unpredictable variable, especially in Sri Lanka. Fans will be hoping for clear skies and uninterrupted matches from here on.
Conclusion
The rain-soaked day in Colombo might have disappointed fans hoping to see an exciting battle between Pakistan and New Zealand, but it brought joy to millions of South African supporters. The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 continues to showcase incredible talent, competitive spirit, and emotional moments that define the beauty of cricket.
With South Africa Women now officially through to the semi-finals, the countdown to the knockout stage begins. One thing is certain — the best of women’s cricket is yet to come.
FAQs
Q1: Why was the Pakistan vs New Zealand match called off?
Persistent rain in Colombo made the ground unplayable, leading to a no-result.
Q2: Which teams have qualified for the semi-finals so far?
Australia Women and South Africa Women have officially qualified for the semi-finals of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
Q3: Where is the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 being held?
The tournament is being hosted across multiple venues in Sri Lanka.
Q4: Who is captaining South Africa Women in the 2025 World Cup?
Laura Wolvaardt is leading the South African Women’s team.
Q5: What are Pakistan and New Zealand’s chances after the washout?
Both teams’ chances are slim and depend on other match results.