Colombo, Oct 24 (NationPress) The captain of Pakistan, Fatima Sana, voiced her disappointment as the unyielding rain in Colombo continued to wreak havoc on the ICC Women’s World Cup. The much-anticipated 25th match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan was called off after just 4.2 overs at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday night, prompting her to advocate for improved scheduling in future tournaments.

Continuous rainfall mandated both teams to split a point each—marking the fifth match in Colombo affected by weather in this tournament.

“The only aspect that didn’t work in our favor was the weather. The ICC should secure three suitable venues for the World Cup, as we wait four years for this opportunity,” she commented.

In her analysis of Pakistan’s performance, she shared, “Our bowling and fielding were commendable, but we fell short in batting. We performed well in a few matches, putting up a strong fight against Australia and England, yet we couldn’t push through to victory.”

The 22-year-old captain reflected on her experiences leading her team in this global event. “Being the youngest captain, I’ve garnered valuable insights from this World Cup. Our recent match experience has been limited, and with the upcoming T20 World Cup next year, we need to gear up,” she noted.

Looking forward, Fatima mentioned that Pakistan has two series on the horizon while awaiting the PCB schedule. Addressing the pressures of leadership, she stated, “Pressure is always present, but I take inspiration from Kane Williamson. He narrowly lost the World Cup yet maintained his composure. I aim to stay calm and instill belief in my team, hoping for better outcomes in the future.”

She also shared a lighter anecdote from the tournament: “Before the national anthems, a little girl approached me, saying, ‘Please take my number; I am your biggest fan.’ I found it amusing as I often stood beside her during the tournament. I cherished her company,” Fatima recounted. “In 2017, I was a net bowler in the West Indies, and Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin complimented my bowling during practice. That truly boosted my confidence. Being a good human can significantly aid you.”

On the other hand, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu expressed optimism despite the series of rain-affected games. “Absolutely. I focus on what is within my control. Expectations are high for a World Cup, and although we lost our first games against India and England, we acknowledge our mistakes in the field and with the bat,” she stated.

Chamari commended her team’s balance, stating, “We have a mix of talented young players and experienced seniors who guide the youngsters. As captain, I aim to support them and promote positive cricket as my primary focus.”

Reflecting on their journey, the 35-year-old remarked, “We’ve faced South Africa, India, and New Zealand. In recent months, we’ve triumphed over some of these teams, including a victory against England in T20s. The team that performs best on any given day wins. We need to enhance our batting, particularly in longer formats. I believe we are close to breaking into the top four, but improvements are necessary.”

Despite the challenging circumstances, Chamari reaffirmed her dedication to her team’s future. “Having participated in a few World Cups, I’m eager to continue playing at 35, aiding in building a strong team for the future. Playing under lights and dealing with rain poses additional challenges, but we will continue to strive for success,” she declared.

The abandoned match concludes the frustratingly wet phase of the tournament in Colombo. The remaining matches of the Women’s World Cup will transition to India, where players and fans alike hope for clear skies and uninterrupted cricket.