Dubai, September 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Despite Pakistan’s humiliating defeat against India in their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 league-stage clash, team mentor Wahab Riaz has backed his side to win the tournament, insisting that the conditions suit them.
Pakistan, playing their 200th T20I, were bowled out for a record-low 55 as India’s spinners applied sustained pressure in Dubai on Saturday. India chased down the 56-run target with ease to maintain their unbeaten run and retain the top position in Group A.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana offered some resistance with three early wickets, finishing with figures of 3/17, but India remained firmly in control.
“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.
“I still believe Pakistan is the best side in this Asia Cup to lift the trophy because the conditions really suit us,” he added.
Former Pakistan captain Sana Mir had earlier criticised the team management for making wholesale changes to the squad, with seven players left out. Riaz defended the decision, saying the changes were made with future tournaments in mind.
“Sana Mir has her own opinion. I have nothing to do with that opinion. We have made changes with the future in mind,” he said.
Riaz argued that the players who were dropped had featured in several World Cups and Asia Cups but had failed to deliver the desired results. He said the management had therefore opted to introduce younger players and build a team for upcoming tournaments.
Pakistan, with only two points, are now in danger of an early group-stage exit. They will aim to revive their campaign when they face Hong Kong on Monday.
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