Women's World Cup: Rain plays spoilsport in New Zealand vs Pakistan clash as South Africa laugh their way to semis

The Women's World Cup clash between New Zealand and Pakistan was abandoned on Saturday, October 18, due to incessant rain, a result that confirmed South Africa's spot in the semifinals of the tournament.

NZ vs PAK's Women's World Cup match washed out

Persistent showers caused two interruptions, ultimately allowing only 25 overs of play. Pakistan, who were put in to bat, had reached a score of 92/5 before the match was officially washed out.

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Blessing in disguise for South Africa

This marks the fourth game at this venue, located in the island nation's capital, to end without a result, following previously abandoned matches involving Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, and England.

Both Pakistan and New Zealand have now seen their last two scheduled games washed out by rain. The no-result scenario benefited South Africa, lifting them into the semifinals as the second team to qualify after Australia. New Zealand remains in fifth place on the table, while Pakistan stays at the bottom and is now officially out of contention for the knockout stages.

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The match, already delayed by a long afternoon shower, had been reduced to 46 overs a side. When play was first stopped, Pakistan was struggling at 52/3 in 12.2 overs. Although action resumed at 5:35 p.m. local time, Pakistan quickly lost two more wickets before the heavens opened up again, halting the contest for good.

Leading the bowling effort for the White Ferns was star pacer Lea Tahuhu, who returned excellent figures of 2/20 from six overs. She was well supported by the spin of Amelia Kerr and Eden Carson, and the pace of Jess Kerr, with each chipping in a wicket. Pakistan started their innings promisingly, as openers Muneeba Ali (22) and Omaima Sohail (3) put on 30 for the first wicket.

However, Tahuhu triggered another familiar collapse by trapping Sohail leg-before-wicket in the seventh over. Muneeba's bright start ended when Suzie Bates took a sharp diving catch at short midwicket off Jess Kerr. Sidra Amin (9) was the next to go, caught by Carson at point just before the prolonged rain break. Upon resumption, Captain Fatima Sana fell to Amelia Kerr. By the time the rain returned for the final time, Pakistan was tottering at 92/5, with Aaliya Riaz standing firm on 28 not out.