Pakistan wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz expressed her disappointment after her side’s World Cup campaign officially ended with a 150-run (DLS) loss to South Africa. Persistent rain once again played a major role, interrupting play multiple times and forcing repeated DLS adjustments, three times in the second innings alone.
Speaking after the match, Sidra admitted that the weather had been a constant source of frustration throughout their tournament.
“Obviously, it’s very frustrating for us because we have played all our matches at this venue and for the last three or four games it’s just been raining, raining, raining,” she said. “Even when we get an early wicket in the first two overs, it rains, and we have to go off. Bowlers come back again, warm up again, it’s frustrating for both bowlers and batters. But it’s not in our control. We are now looking forward to the next match.”
Despite being out of semifinal contention, Sidra praised Pakistan’s effort with the ball during the tournament, particularly against strong opponents like Australia and England.
“I think our bowling and fielding did very well in the previous matches. We faced tough teams like Australia, the best team and even against England, we almost won that match if rain hadn’t interrupted, it could have been different. We are working on our batting and trying to get better.”
The England match, which Pakistan came close to winning before rain intervened, remains a point of regret for the team.
“Obviously it’s a regret because they are one of the top two or three teams in the world, and we almost beat them. If that match had gone ahead, it would have given us great momentum and confidence. But it was out of our hands. It’s unfortunate,” Sidra said.
Sidra, who impressed behind the stumps with sharp takes and stumpings, credited her work ethic and sense of responsibility for maintaining high standards.
“It’s my job, and I have to be alert on every ball. As a keeper and a senior player, if I let the team down, it affects everyone,” she explained. “It’s my responsibility to keep doing good things to build momentum and energy in the field.”
Looking ahead to their final group match against Sri Lanka, Sidra hoped for a rain-free game and a winning finish.
“Firstly, we wish there’s no rain in the Sri Lanka match because it’s been very frustrating for us,” she said. “We are looking forward to that last match so we can win and go back home with a victory.”
She also lauded captain Fatima Sana’s performances with the ball in the tournament.
“Fatima is a brilliant captain and all-rounder for Pakistan,” Sidra said. “She’s been really good in this World Cup, taking early wickets and contributing with the bat as well. We hope she continues this momentum.”
While Pakistan’s campaign ends on a disappointing note, Nawaz’s reflections highlighted both the resilience within the team and the uncontrollable challenges posed by the weather in Colombo, a recurring theme that ultimately dictated their fate in this tournament.
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