After the initial showers, as the play resumed, the White Ferns tightened their grip on the game, leaving Pakistan five wickets down at the score of 92 from 25 overs.
Natalia Pervaiz departed in the 19th over and in the very next over, Fatima Sana followed, leaving Pakistan with half their side back in the pavilion. Eden Carson claimed her first wicket when Pervaiz attempted to go down the ground but was caught at long on.
Soon after, Sana was bowled on the final ball of the 20th over, undone by a beautifully flighted googly that turned sharply between bat and pad before crashing into the stumps.
The White Ferns had struck twice in quick succession to leave Pakistan five down before rain returned to disrupt their momentum. Aliya Riaz (28*), who top scored for Pakistan, was still at the crease before rain returned halted the proceedings, forcing the match to be called off.
The result means New Zealand’s final two fixtures against India and England remain must-win outings for them. Meanwhile, Pakistan will also need favourable results from other games to stay in contention for the knockouts.