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Pakistan came agonisingly close to their first limited-overs win versus the English side at the Colombo venue on Wednesday, reaching 34 runs without losing a wicket going after a revised Duckworth-Lewis-Stern goal set at 113 before torrential downpours curtailed their aspirations to create history.

England's Batting Struggles

England’s batting has lurched from one disaster to another during this World Cup – they had to be bailed out thanks to Heather Knight against Bangladesh and by Nat Sciver-Brunt against Sri Lanka – in this match it looked like their weaknesses would plague them again, as they collapsed to a precarious 79/7 in the opening 25 overs.

Showers and Resumption

After an initial rain delay of almost four hours, England returned to accumulate 54 additional runs – however, Pakistan's opening pair the duo of Ali and Sohail appeared to be cruising the pursuit, helped by the unavailability of England’s key strike bowlers Bell and Ecclestone because of illness. Only further rain rescued England.

"The Pakistani bowlers performed superbly and made it really hard for us to gain any momentum in the game,” England's leader Nat Sciver-Brunt told Sky Sports. “We weren’t good enough and we acknowledge our shortcomings. All players are training excellently and I guess it’s about finding a way to perform similarly during games.”

Competition Consequences

The washed-out game means that England remain on course to progress to the semi-finals provided they secure victory one out of their remaining three group-stage encounters versus India, Australia and New Zealand.

Ground State and Bowling Performance

This tournament has so far been a haven for spinners, yet on this occasion it was significant swing that created issues to the England top order, following heavy rain 24 hours earlier that abandoned the second half of Sri Lanka’s match with New Zealand. Pakistan's emerging leader Sana bowled a remarkable spell recording 5 overs, 1 maiden, 19 runs, 3 wickets, featuring a maiden over with a wicket initially, dismissing Amy Jones through the defense via an inward-moving ball.

Key Moments and DRS Drama

Knight once again saved herself with a timely DRS review versus Sana that would have missed the leg stump, only for the Pakistan captain to take two wickets in the next over with two more swinging balls – one which Nat Sciver-Brunt chopped on the stumps, and another that trapped Knight directly in front.

Previously, The English opener had left the ball to Diana Baig and was bowled by a delivery that came back which hit the top of her wicket, whereas it was the left-arm spin by Sadia Iqbal that dismissed Dunkley and Lamb.

Tournament Scheduling Questions

Questions may be raised concerning the determination to host part of the World Cup in the Colombo venue throughout the rainy season, considering this is the third washout at the venue – but England will simply breathe a sigh of relief while they advance to Indore.