Pakistan's qualification for Women's ODI World Cup uncertain after series loss to England

Pakistan's participation in the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup is now uncertain following a significant loss to England in the third and final match of their series.

The defeat by 178 runs in Chelmsford on Wednesday leaves Pakistan's direct qualification hanging in the balance.

The Pakistani women's team has completed all their matches in the Women's Championship, amassing a total of 17 points. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka and the West Indies each have 14 points, with three crucial ODI Championship matches between them scheduled for next month. The team that wins at least two of these matches will surpass Pakistan in the standings, jeopardizing their direct qualification.

In the decisive match, Pakistan, led by Nida Dar, was all out for 124 runs while chasing a daunting target of 303. The notable contributions came from Muneeba Ali, who scored 47, and Aliya Riaz, who added 36. However, these efforts were overshadowed by the dominant performance of the English bowlers. Sophie Ecclestone claimed three wickets for just 15 runs, while Lauren Bell and Nat Sciver-Brunt each took two wickets. Charlie Dean and Kate Cross chipped in with a wicket apiece.

Earlier in the innings, England posted an imposing total of 302 for the loss of five wickets. Nat Sciver-Brunt was the standout performer, hitting a superb 124 runs off 117 balls, including 14 boundaries and two sixes. She received solid support from Danni Wyatt, Alice Capsey, and Maia Bouchier, who scored 44, 39, and 33 runs respectively.

On the bowling front for Pakistan, Umm-e-Hani took two wickets, while Diana Baig, Nida Dar, and Fatima Sana each secured one wicket.

Pakistan's woes in the series were compounded by their 37-run loss in the first ODI and the abandonment of the second ODI due to rain after just 6.5 overs. Adding to their disappointment, they were also whitewashed 3-0 in the preceding T20I series.