“Raining, Raining, Raining”: Sidra Nawaz Voices Pakistan’s Frustration After Weather-Plagued Women’s World Cup Exit

Pakistan wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz lamented the frustrating Colombo weather after Pakistan’s rain-affected World Cup defeat to South Africa ended their semi-final hopes.

Pakistan’s World Cup Exit Dampened by Relentless Rain in Colombo

As heavy clouds hovered over Colombo for yet another match day, Pakistan’s Women’s World Cup campaign ended not just in defeat — but in frustration.

Following their 150-run loss (DLS method) to South Africa on Tuesday, Pakistan’s wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz expressed the team’s exasperation at the relentless rain that has plagued their fixtures throughout the tournament.

The result sealed Pakistan’s elimination from the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, as the team’s faint hopes of reaching the semi-finals were finally extinguished at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

“Obviously, it’s very frustrating for us because we have played all matches here in that venue and it’s almost for the last three or four games just raining, raining, raining,” Sidra said during the post-match press conference.

“It’s Not in Our Control”: Sidra’s Honest Reflection

Speaking to reporters after the match, Sidra Nawaz’s tone reflected both disappointment and resignation.

“Even in the first over, we get a wicket, and it [started] raining and we went out,” she said. “So, bowlers have to come back again and warm up. It’s very frustrating for both bowlers and batters.”

Despite her frustration, Sidra remained composed and optimistic, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what lies ahead.

“It’s not in our control,” she added. “We are looking forward to the next match.”

Her words summed up the mood in the Pakistani camp — a mix of helplessness and acceptance after multiple matches were disrupted or washed out completely due to the persistent downpours in Sri Lanka’s capital.

Rains That Changed Pakistan’s Campaign

The Colombo rains have been a recurring theme in Pakistan’s World Cup journey. The weather has repeatedly disrupted their rhythm, with three consecutive matches affected by heavy showers and interruptions.

Before the South Africa clash, Pakistan’s matches against England and New Zealand had both ended in washouts — robbing the team of vital points in their bid for a top-four finish.

In total, Pakistan’s last four matches were impacted by rain, with players often spending hours waiting in dressing rooms or warming up repeatedly between stoppages.

For a team already facing the pressure of qualification, the unpredictable weather proved to be the final blow.

“It’s been raining almost every match day for us,” Sidra noted. “We start well, and then suddenly, everything stops. It’s difficult to keep focus and energy when you’re going in and out all the time.”

The South Africa Clash: When Rain and Pressure Collided

In their must-win encounter against South Africa, Pakistan’s fate was already precarious before the rain arrived.

After electing to field first, Fatima Sana’s side made an encouraging start — dismissing South African opener Tazmin Brits for a duck in just the second over. But moments later, the rain began to fall, forcing players off the field and causing a two-hour delay.

Once play resumed, the pitch flattened and the outfield quickened, favoring South Africa’s batters. Captain Laura Wolvaardt (90) and Sune Luus (61) punished Pakistan’s bowlers, combining for a 118-run second-wicket partnership.

The interruption disrupted Pakistan’s momentum, and as the innings went on, conditions deteriorated. Bowlers struggled to grip the ball, and their rhythm evaporated.

South Africa capitalized, amassing a mammoth 312 for 9 in 40 overs — their highest-ever Women’s World Cup total.

Pakistan’s chase was later reduced to 234 in 20 overs under the DLS method, a target that was effectively out of reach in such conditions. They eventually folded for 83-7, confirming their early exit from the tournament.

Sidra Nawaz: A Voice of Calm Amid Disappointment

Known for her composed demeanor and professionalism, Sidra Nawaz has been part of Pakistan’s national setup for nearly a decade.

Her remarks reflected the emotional toll that unpredictable weather can have on players, especially in high-stakes tournaments where momentum and rhythm are crucial.

“Bowlers have to keep warming up again and again. It’s very tiring,” she said. “Even the batters lose focus when matches keep stopping. We want to perform, but nature has had other plans for us this time.”

Sidra’s comments also underscored a broader issue faced by teams in tournaments hosted in monsoon-prone regions. Consistent rain delays not only affect performance but also mental preparedness.

Marizanne Kapp: “Just Lucky It Wasn’t Rained Out”

Even South Africa’s star all-rounder and player-of-the-match, Marizanne Kapp, acknowledged how the weather had nearly disrupted another key fixture.

“Yeah, definitely lucky to be getting on the park and finishing our games,” Kapp said at the post-match conference. “It was a bit tight today with the rain there, but just lucky that it wasn’t rained out.”

Her statement highlighted the precarious balance between scheduling and climate conditions during international tournaments. For South Africa, the timely breaks in weather meant not only victory but also a place at the top of the standings.

Pakistan’s Rain-Soaked Campaign: A Timeline

To understand the frustration in Sidra’s words, it helps to look back at how the rain impacted Pakistan’s entire World Cup run:

• Match vs England — Washed out in Colombo. Both teams shared points.
• Match vs New Zealand — Abandoned due to rain before toss. Another shared point.
• Match vs South Africa — Interrupted multiple times, resulting in a 150-run DLS defeat.
• Next Match vs Sri Lanka — Scheduled for Saturday; forecast again suggests scattered showers.

The repeated interruptions deprived Pakistan of continuity and confidence, particularly after their early defeats.

“Raining, Raining, Raining”: The Line That Captured Pakistan’s Mood

Sidra’s repeated phrase — “raining, raining, raining” — has since resonated with fans, perfectly summarizing the team’s collective exasperation.

Social media erupted with sympathy and humor, as fans posted memes, photos, and messages expressing solidarity with the team.

One fan tweeted, “Pakistan women came to play cricket, but Colombo had other plans — they’ve been playing the weather forecast instead.”

Another wrote, “Sidra Nawaz said what every fan was thinking: it’s just raining, raining, raining!”

The phrase has since become symbolic of Pakistan’s ill-fated campaign — one defined less by their cricketing failures and more by uncontrollable circumstances.

Fatima Sana’s Perspective on the Defeat

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana also spoke candidly about the team’s disappointment and the challenges of playing in such conditions.

“We can’t blame the weather for everything,” she said after the match. “But it’s true that it played a big role. We’ve tried to stay positive throughout, but the frequent rain breaks make it very difficult for the bowlers to stay sharp.”

She praised her players for maintaining composure despite the tough schedule, adding that Pakistan would use the experience to prepare better for future tournaments.

The Broader Impact of Weather on the Tournament

The 2025 Women’s World Cup, jointly hosted by Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, has been marred by weather disruptions throughout its group stage.

Several matches across Colombo, Kandy, and Chattogram have suffered delays or abandonments, leading to concerns about the ICC’s scheduling choices.

Cricket analysts have pointed out that hosting major tournaments during the South Asian monsoon season was always risky.

Former cricketer and commentator Sana Mir noted, “It’s heartbreaking to see teams like Pakistan lose out because of weather. These players train for years for this moment, and then it’s all decided by rain clouds.”

Pakistan’s Final Match: A Chance to Finish Strong

With their semi-final hopes gone, Pakistan now face co-hosts Sri Lanka in their final group-stage match on Saturday.

While the fixture is effectively a dead rubber, it presents an opportunity for the team to end their campaign on a positive note.

Pakistan’s coaching staff is expected to give younger players a chance to gain experience and exposure in international conditions. The focus, insiders say, will be on batting consistency and fielding discipline — two areas that have repeatedly cost them matches.

Despite the disappointment, Sidra Nawaz believes the team will bounce back.

“We’re learning from every game,” she said. “We’ll come stronger next time. These experiences make us better players.”

Weather Woes Highlight Scheduling Concerns

The rain-plagued World Cup has reignited debates about ICC scheduling policies and the lack of reserve days in women’s cricket tournaments.

Critics argue that women’s matches deserve the same logistical planning and flexibility as men’s tournaments, including reserve days, indoor practice facilities, and neutral-venue options.

Sports journalist Meher Aziz wrote, “When weather dictates results at this level, it’s not fair to the athletes. Pakistan’s frustration is justified — their campaign was washed away by decisions beyond their control.”

Looking Ahead: Lessons for Pakistan Women’s Cricket

While weather dominated headlines, Pakistan’s campaign also exposed structural weaknesses — particularly in batting depth, bowling consistency, and fitness levels.

However, the emergence of players like Fatima Sana, Ayesha Naseem, and Tuba Hassan signals a promising future. With greater investment in domestic women’s cricket, Pakistan can close the gap with world leaders like Australia, England, and South Africa.

The team’s resilience, despite adversity, has earned respect. As cricket fans shared on social media, “They lost the matches, but not their spirit.”

Conclusion: A Tournament Drenched in Disappointment, But Not Defeat

As the Women’s World Cup moves toward its knockout stages, Pakistan’s exit serves as a reminder of how fragile cricket’s balance can be — between skill, timing, and uncontrollable elements like the weather.

Sidra Nawaz’s now-famous line — “raining, raining, raining” — captures more than frustration; it represents the emotional exhaustion of a team that tried, waited, and watched as opportunity slipped away with every downpour.

Yet, amid the disappointment, there’s hope. Pakistan’s young squad has shown glimpses of fight and resilience that could define a brighter future.

And as the rain finally clears over Colombo, Pakistan will look to rise again — stronger, wiser, and ready for sunnier days ahead.

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