Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025: Rain deprives Sri Lanka of chance to beat New Zealand

Sri Lanka and New Zealand were forced to agree on one point each after their Women’s World Cup match in Colombo was canceled due to rain.

Co-hosts Sri Lanka made 258-6 after opting to bat first, thanks to the fastest fifty of the tournament so far, coming off 26 balls from Neelakshi de Silva.

The 36-year-old finished unbeaten with 55 off 28 balls after skipper Chamari Athapathu scored 53 off 72 balls in an opening stand of 101 with Vishmi Gurunaratne, who made 42 off 83 balls.

That left New Zealand needing their highest World Cup second-round score to win, only for rain to arrive before the chase could begin.

The referees officially abandoned the match at 16:45 GMT.

While Sri Lanka will be disappointed to be denied the chance to secure their first win of the tournament, the result leaves New Zealand facing a real battle to reach the semi-finals.

Sophie Devine’s side are one point adrift of the top four and will face Pakistan on Saturday before two tough matches against India and England to finish off the group stage.