Wahab Riaz backs Pakistan as best Asia Cup side despite India loss

Pakistan women’s team suffered a devastating collapse in their Group A match against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, September 05, 2026. The side was bowled out for 55, marking their lowest total in T20I cricket history. India chased down the target in 8.4 overs, winning by 7 wickets to secure their third consecutive Group A victory and qualification for the semi-finals as group toppers.

Pakistan’s batting order crumbled dramatically during the match. The team progressed from 27 without loss to 35 for 6, losing six wickets for just eight runs across 29 balls. Only Muneeba Ali with 13 runs and Shawaal Zulfiqar with 14 runs managed to reach double figures as the innings collapsed in 18.1 overs. This was Pakistan’s 200th T20I match, but it became a day to forget for the squad.

India’s bowling attack proved too strong for Pakistan’s batters. Shree Charani, the world’s number one-ranked T20I bowler, took 3 for 7, while Prema Rawat claimed 3 for 9. The two bowlers combined to dismantle Pakistan’s middle order with precision and control.

Wahab Riaz backs Pakistan despite India defeat

Despite the heavy defeat, Pakistan women’s team head coach Wahab Riaz expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to compete in the tournament. Riaz stated that he still believes Pakistan possesses the quality to win the Asia Cup, pointing to the conditions in the region as a factor that could work in their favour. He acknowledged the performance against India but remained optimistic about the team’s prospects moving forward.

“I believe that all the players in our team are very skilful, and they just need to trust themselves. Our next match is against Hong Kong. We will go back and discuss what we did wrong against India. We won’t commit the same mistakes,” Riaz told reporters after the match.

“I still believe Pakistan is the best side in this Asia Cup to lift the trophy because the conditions really suit us,” he added.

Riaz’s message to the squad ahead of Hong Kong clash

Riaz emphasised the need for his players to trust themselves and learn from the mistakes made against India. He outlined plans to review the match and ensure similar errors would not be repeated in upcoming fixtures. The former Pakistan pacer expressed belief in the skill level of his squad and their capacity to bounce back from the setback.

Also Read: Shafali Verma becomes youngest to 3,000 Women’s T20I runs

Pakistan’s next assignment was against Hong Kong Women on September 07, 2026, in Dubai. A victory in that match would keep their hopes alive of progressing to the knockout stage. The team faced the challenge of recovering from their lowest T20I total while maintaining their belief in their ability to compete at the highest level.

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