Wahab Riaz Backs Pakistan Women to Win Asia Cup Despite Heavy India Defeat

 Pakistan Women Cricket Coach Wahab Riaz

Pakistan women’s cricket coach and mentor Wahab Riaz has expressed strong confidence in his team’s chances of winning the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026, even after Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat against India in Dubai.

Speaking after the match, Wahab said he still believed Pakistan were the best side in the tournament and capable of lifting the trophy. His comments came after a difficult performance against India, where Pakistan were bowled out for just 55 runs in 18.1 overs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan’s batting struggled throughout the innings. Muneeba Ali scored 13 runs, while Shawaal Zulfiqar made 14, but no batter was able to build a significant partnership. India’s bowlers remained in control, with Shree Charani and Prema Rawat taking three wickets each.

India then chased the modest target quickly, reaching 57 for three in 8.4 overs to complete a seven-wicket victory. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana was the standout bowler for her side, taking all three Indian wickets and finishing with figures of three for 17.

Despite the disappointing result, Wahab Riaz urged the players not to lose confidence. He said Pakistan had enough talent to compete with any team in the tournament and stressed the need for the players to trust their abilities. According to Wahab, the coaching staff would review the mistakes made against India and work to ensure they were not repeated in the remaining matches.

Wahab also defended the inclusion of several younger players in the squad. He explained that the team management was trying to build a stronger group for future international competitions while giving emerging players valuable exposure at the highest level. Pakistan’s squad for the Asia Cup includes a combination of experienced internationals and young cricketers under the captaincy of Fatima Sana.

Pakistan responded positively in their next group-stage match against Hong Kong, China. Batting first, Pakistan posted 143 for eight. Shawaal Zulfiqar played an important innings of 47 from 35 balls, while Ayesha Zafar contributed 26. Captain Fatima Sana added an unbeaten 24 to help Pakistan reach a competitive total.

The bowlers then delivered an excellent performance. Hong Kong were dismissed for 71 runs as Pakistan completed a convincing 72-run victory. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu was the star of the match, taking six wickets for just seven runs. Her figures were the best by a Pakistan women’s cricketer in T20 internationals.

The victory secured Pakistan’s place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Asia Cup. Pakistan finished second in Group A with four points from three matches, recording two wins and one defeat.

Pakistan are scheduled to face Sri Lanka in the second semi-final in Dubai. The match will be a major test of Wahab Riaz’s confidence in the team. Sri Lanka are a strong side, and Pakistan will need a much more consistent batting performance along with disciplined bowling and fielding to progress.

The semi-final also offers Pakistan an opportunity to show that one poor result does not define an entire tournament campaign.

Wahab’s statement has added extra attention to Pakistan’s campaign. While the defeat against India exposed weaknesses, the strong comeback against Hong Kong showed that the team can recover quickly from setbacks. Pakistan’s bowling remains a major strength, but the batting unit will have to provide greater stability in the knockout stage.

If Pakistan can handle the pressure, build partnerships and continue producing strong bowling performances, they will have a genuine chance of reaching the final. Wahab Riaz’s belief is clear, but the players now have to turn that confidence into results on the field and prove that Pakistan can compete for the Asia Cup title.