In an emotional moment at the Pakistan vs England Women’s World Cup 2025 match in Colombo, both teams paid tribute to Shawaal Zulfiqar after she suffered the tragic loss of her father, Zulfiqar Ahmad, who passed away in Sialkot on Tuesday.
Before the start of the 16th match at the R. Premadasa Stadium, players from both Pakistan and England gathered in the center for a moment of silence, honoring Shawaal Zulfiqar’s father and showing solidarity beyond the boundaries of competition.
The touching gesture earned praise from fans and the cricket fraternity, emphasizing the compassion and respect that define international women’s cricket.
Pakistan, led by Fatima Sana, won the toss and opted to field first. The team made two changes — Aliya Riaz and Omaima Sohail replaced Sadaf Shamas and Eyman Fatima. For England, Sarah Glenn and Emily Arlott came in for Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell, both sidelined due to illness.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt acknowledged the setback but expressed confidence in her team’s depth.
“It’s not ideal, but it gives Sarah and Em a great chance to get some overs and make an impact,” she said.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana emphasized the importance of consistency with the bat.
“We need to bat longer and finish the innings better when we have the opposition under pressure,” she noted.
At the time of the match, England Women remained unbeaten with three consecutive wins, while Pakistan Women’s cricket team continued their pursuit of a first victory in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Ameen, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (c), Sidra Nawaz (wk), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal
England: Amy Jones (wk), Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Linsey Smith, Emily Arlott, Sarah Glenn
The heartfelt tribute to Shawaal Zulfiqar by both teams was widely appreciated online, underlining the unifying spirit and humanity that cricket brings to the forefront, even amid fierce competition.
