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Pakistan narrowly missed out on their inaugural ODI success facing the English team on the Colombo pitch on Wednesday, reaching 34 runs without losing a wicket in pursuit of a revised Duckworth-Lewis-Stern goal of 113 before torrential downpours curtailed their chances to create history.

England's Batting Struggles

England's offensive play has stumbled from one disaster to another throughout this World Cup – they had to be bailed out thanks to Heather Knight against Bangladesh with Nat Sciver-Brunt's contribution against Sri Lanka – on this occasion it looked like their weaknesses would return to haunt them, as their innings fell apart to 79 for seven during the first 25 overs.

Rain Delays and Recovery

Postponed first by rain for about four hours, The English side resumed to accumulate 54 additional runs – however, Pakistan's opening pair Muneeba Ali and Omaima Sohail looked to be making short work of the chase, assisted by the unavailability of England’s key strike bowlers the pair of Bell and Ecclestone due to sickness. Only further rain rescued England.

“Pakistan bowled brilliantly and posed serious challenges for us to gain any momentum in the game,” England's leader Sciver-Brunt told Sky Sports. “We weren’t good enough and we accept responsibility. Everyone’s practising really well and it seems we need figuring out how to perform similarly during games.”

Competition Consequences

The washed-out game indicates that England remain on course to advance to the semifinals if they manage to win one of their final three group matches against India, Australia and New Zealand.

Pitch Conditions and Bowling Dominance

This championship has thus far been a haven for spinners, yet on this occasion there was substantial movement which caused problems to the England top order, after massive rainfall 24 hours earlier which washed out the latter part of the Sri Lankan contest versus New Zealand. The youthful Pakistani skipper Fatima Sana bowled an impressive period with figures of 5-1-19-3, comprising a wicket-taking maiden first up, getting Amy Jones out through the gate with an inswinger.

Crucial Instances and Review System

Heather Knight once again saved herself with a timely DRS review against Sana which was missing leg stump, however the Pakistan captain to claim two scalps during the subsequent over with two more swinging balls – including one that Sciver-Brunt edged onto her wickets, and a subsequent delivery that hit Knight right in front.

Previously, Beaumont had shouldered arms against Diana Baig and got bowled by a nip-backer that grazed the top of the off stump, whereas it was the spin from the left side from Sadia Iqbal that dismissed Dunkley and Lamb.

Event Planning Issues

Doubts might emerge concerning the determination to stage half of the World Cup at Colombo during monsoon season, considering this is the third canceled match on this pitch – however England will merely breathe a sigh of relief while they advance to the Indore venue.