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Omaima Sohail Eyes Semi-Final Spot as Pakistan Take On New Zealand
Pakistan opener Omaima Sohail remains hopeful of a semi-final berth in the ICC Women’s World Cup despite rain-hit setbacks. “We’ll fight till the end,” she says ahead of the clash with New Zealand.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-10-17
Omaima Sohail Eyes Semi-Final Spot as Pakistan Take On New Zealand

Omaima Sohail Confident Pakistan Can Still Reach ICC Women’s World Cup Semi-Finals

COLOMBO — Pakistan opener Omaima Sohail has said that her team remains optimistic about qualifying for the semi-finals of the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup, as they prepare to face New Zealand on Saturday at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Despite a rain-affected campaign that has hampered their progress, Omaima believes Pakistan still have a chance to advance — provided they win their remaining fixtures.

“We are not relaxed at all. We have a chance to go to the semis if we win the matches — like three matches,” Omaima said during a pre-match press conference on Friday. “So maybe the scenario is open. If we win the three matches, we have a chance in the semis.”

Pakistan’s last fixture against England on Wednesday was abandoned due to rain, denying them what could have been a historic first win against the English side. Chasing a revised target of 113 in 31 overs, Pakistan were cruising at 34-0 in 6.4 overs before heavy rain forced an end to the match — a result that effectively saved England from their first-ever loss to Pakistan.

Reflecting on her performance as an opener, Omaima highlighted the challenge of facing the new ball under seaming conditions.

“The main challenge is to open and play the new ball. If you see the matches, they’re seaming and the pitch is helping seamers. I’m trying to work on playing the new ball,” she said.

While Pakistan’s batting lineup has yet to cross the 200-run mark in the tournament, their bowling attack has been the team’s standout feature. Against powerhouses Australia and England, Pakistan’s bowlers reduced them to 76-7 and 78-7 respectively, earning praise from opponents.

New Zealand’s head coach, Ben Sawyer, acknowledged Pakistan’s bowling strength ahead of Saturday’s game.

“They’ve put some teams in real tough spots — they had Australia 6 for 60 and England 7 for 70. Their bowling attack is definitely something we’ve got to be wary of,” Sawyer said.

Sawyer also noted improvement in Pakistan’s batting, adding:

“Their top order made light work of that chase before the rain came. They’ve been impressive.”

Both teams are coming off rain-affected games, with New Zealand’s last match against Sri Lanka also ending in a washout after the hosts posted 258-6.

After three consecutive defeats, Pakistan’s chances of qualification hang in the balance — but a win against New Zealand could reignite their campaign. For the Green Shirts, it’s now a case of playing bold cricket and hoping the results elsewhere fall in their favour — a familiar World Cup storyline for Pakistan fans.
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