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Pakistan came agonisingly close to their first one-day international win against England at the Colombo venue midweek, arriving at 34 runs without losing a wicket chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 113 before pouring rain halted their aspirations of making history.

England's Batting Collapse

England’s batting has stumbled from one disaster to another in this tournament – they had to be bailed out by Heather Knight facing Bangladesh and by Nat Sciver-Brunt when playing Sri Lanka – in this match it seemed as if their weaknesses would plague them again, as their innings fell apart to a precarious 79/7 within the initial 25 overs.

Weather Interruptions and Comeback

Following an early weather interruption lasting nearly four hours, England returned to accumulate 54 additional runs – yet the Pakistani openers Ali and Sohail looked to be making short work the target, helped by the unavailability of England's main bowlers the pair of Bell and Ecclestone due to sickness. Only additional rainfall spared England embarrassment.

"Pakistan delivered exceptional bowling and created significant difficulties for us to establish ourselves in the match,” the England captain Sciver-Brunt told Sky Sports. "Our performance was insufficient and we acknowledge our shortcomings. Everyone’s practising really well and I guess it’s about finding a way to perform similarly during games.”

Championship Ramifications

The washed-out game signifies that The English team continues their path to advance to the semifinals as long as they win one of their final three group-stage encounters against India, Australia and New Zealand.

Ground State and Bowling Performance

This championship has so far been a haven for spinners, but here it was significant swing which caused problems against the English opening lineup, following heavy rain a day before which washed out the latter part of the Sri Lankan contest versus New Zealand. The youthful Pakistani skipper Fatima Sana sent down a remarkable spell recording 5 overs, 1 maiden, 19 runs, 3 wickets, comprising a wicket-taking maiden first up, bowling Amy Jones between bat and pad using an inswinging delivery.

Key Moments and DRS Drama

The English batter once again saved herself using a prompt Decision Review System appeal facing Sana which was missing leg stump, only for the Pakistan captain to take two wickets in the following over with two more swinging balls – including one that the captain deflected onto to her stumps, and another that trapped Knight directly in front.

Before this, Tammy Beaumont had opted not to play facing Diana Baig and was dismissed via an inward-moving ball that grazed the top of her wicket, while it was the spin from the left side of Sadia Iqbal that accounted for both Dunkley and Lamb.

Tournament Scheduling Questions

Questions may be raised regarding the choice to organize a portion of the tournament in Colombo during monsoon season, given that this is the third abandonment at the ground – however England will merely breathe a sigh of relief while they advance to Indore.