Women’s World Cup: ‘Disappointing’ New Zealand, Pakistan split points after rain washes out another match in Colombo, South Africa qualify for semis

The result also meant South Africa became the second team after Australia to qualify for the semi-finals.

Play was initially scheduled to restart at 7:52 p.m. local time with the overs further to 36 overs per side but another downpour before resumption further delayed the start, eventually leading to the abandonment. This was the fourth match abandoned due to rain at the venue.

“You wait four years for a World Cup, and to have rain play such a massive part in it, it is disappointing. I think, hopefully, in future editions, they might consider starting games earlier in the day. We’ve obviously seen here that the rain usually comes in the afternoon, so there’s a real opportunity to play these matches at 10 or 11 a.m. and actually get a game in.”

“Because that’s what all the teams want to play cricket. You’ve waited so long to be here, you want to test yourself against the best, and to be scuppered by rain is a real shame for me. It’s pretty flat,” Devine said in the post-match presentation.

The first rain interruption in play came at 3:58 p.m. local time, with Pakistan 52/3 in 12.3 overs. The match was reduced to 46 overs per side when play eventually restarted at 5:35 p.m. local time.

South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt-led side are currently second on the points table, with eight points in five matches and a net run rate of -0.440.