New Zealand Women vs Pakistan Women, 19th Match - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

New Zealand Women have won the toss and have opted to field

The weather forecast looks much better today, and with both teams desperate to revive their campaigns, we could be in for an exciting contest. Stay tuned for the toss and team updates!

In their last match, Fatima Sana delivered a superb spell against England Women, helping restrict them to just 133 for 9. Unfortunately, rain had the final say, washing out what seemed like a straightforward chase after Pakistan made a strong start. For the White Ferns, captain Sophie Devine continues to lead from the front - she has been in tremendous form, amassing 260 runs at an outstanding average of 86.67. If the rest of the New Zealand batters can offer consistent support, the White Ferns will back themselves to get their campaign back on track.

14:00 Local Time, 08:30 GMT, 14:00 IST: It’s been a rain-hit week at the Women’s ODI World Cup, with matches washed out, games shortened, and frustration all around. But the action continues today as two struggling sides face off, both looking to turn their campaigns around. New Zealand Women have managed just one win in four outings, while Pakistan Women are still searching for their first victory of the tournament. Their record in ODI World Cups hasn’t been encouraging, but they’ll be eager to change that and finally get on the board today.

Preview

New Zealand began their 2025 Women's World Cup campaign with fixtures against Australia and South Africa. They are also scheduled to finish the league stage with fixtures against India and England. These four opponents were primarily viewed as the challengers for a semifinal spot. The T20 World champions have already lost the first two fixtures and now next week, they will have to take on India and England in fixtures that would likely seal their fate in the competition.

Sandwiched between these four fixtures are the three against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan - three relatively easier opponents New Zealand were expected to brush aside. However, after the win over Bangladesh, the washout against Sri Lanka has come as a significant blow for New Zealand in their semifinal bid. What would be more concerning though is the fact that victory wasn't guaranteed against Sri Lanka either had the run chase not been washed out. The home team posted the highest score at the venue in this year's World Cup and put New Zealand under pressure at the halfway mark before the skies opened up.

That's precisely why New Zealand cannot afford to take anything for granted against Pakistan given how shaky they have been. Despite being winless in the tournament so far, Pakistan did look like causing an upset in their last game when they outplayed England until rain played spoilsport, robbing a finish. It will be interesting to see if they can carry forward that momentum against New Zealand and cause an upset.

When: Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 3 PM local time, 3 PM IST

Where: R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

What to expect: Another slow track that will bring the spinners into play. However, yet again, rain will be the biggest threat.

Team news

New Zealand: Bree Illing came into the XI last game and made an impact by picking up two wickets. But Lea Tahuhu could be in the frame to return tomorrow.

Probable XI: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Bree Illing/Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson

Pakistan: Considering they were on their way to pulling off an upset against England, Pakistan might want to stick to the same combination.

Probable XI: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (c), Sidra Nawaz (wk), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal

What they said:

"They've put some teams in some real tough spots, so I think they had Australia 6 for 60. And then obviously the other night England was 7 for 70. So, their bowling attack is one that we've got to be really wary of. So, they've been impressive." - New Zealand coach Ben Sawyer on the Pakistani outfit

Squads:

Pakistan Women Squad: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana(c), Sidra Nawaz(w), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Syeda Aroob Shah, Sadaf Shamas, Eyman Fatima, Shawaal Zulfiqar

New Zealand Women Squad: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine(c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze(w), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Bree Illing, Eden Carson, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu