Women’s World Cup: Colombo downpour frustrates Sri Lanka, compounds New Zealand’s challenges

Rain washed out Match 15 of the Women’s World Cup 2025, as persistent showers at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium forced the Sri Lanka vs New Zealand game on 14 October to be abandoned.

Sri Lanka, after electing to bat first, posted a competitive 258/6 in 50 overs, powered by half-centuries from captain Chamari Athapaththu (53) and *Nilakshi de Silva (55)**. However, New Zealand’s innings never got underway, and the match ended in a no result, with both teams earning one point each.

Sri Lanka Batting Performance

Sri Lanka began strongly, with Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne putting together a 101-run opening partnership. Athapaththu was dismissed in the deep off Sophie Devine after scoring 53 off 72, while Gunaratne fell for 42. Middle-order contributions came from Hasini Perera (44) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (26), who added a 58-run third-wicket stand to keep Sri Lanka on course for a big total.

In the final overs, a mini-collapse triggered by Devine (3/54) and Bree Illing (2/39) reduced Sri Lanka to 198/5 in 42.4 overs. Nilakshi de Silva then accelerated, smashing the tournament’s fastest half-century so far—55 off 28 balls*, including seven fours and a six—helping Sri Lanka finish at 258/6.

Match Outcome and Implications

Unfortunately for Sri Lanka, the rain meant they remain winless in the tournament, collecting just two points from abandoned matches. They sit seventh on the points table after four games.

New Zealand, with three points from one win and one washout, are fifth and face mounting pressure to secure wins in upcoming matches. Another abandoned fixture could further complicate their path to the semi-finals, especially with tough clashes against India and England ahead. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will need victories in all remaining games to keep semi-final hopes alive.

The Colombo rain denied fans a contest and left both teams frustrated, underscoring how weather continues to play a decisive role in the Women’s World Cup 2025.