In a statement that has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, Pakistan women’s team head coach Wahab Riaz asserted his side is the ‘best’ in the ongoing Women’s Asia Cup 2026, just hours after they were skittled for a paltry 55 runs against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, September 5, 2026. The emphatic seven-wicket defeat, which saw India chase down the target in just 8.4 overs, marked a dismal performance for Pakistan and their lowest-ever total in Women’s T20 International cricket.
Pakistan Women Coach Wahab Riaz Makes Outrageous Claim
Riaz’s surprising declaration comes amidst widespread criticism following Pakistan’s capitulation in the crucial Group A encounter. The former fast bowler’s post-match comments have been met with incredulity, given the nature of the loss.
Match Details and Pakistan’s Collapse
Opting to bat first, Pakistan’s innings never gained momentum, as India’s spin attack proved unplayable. Young Indian spinners Shree Charani and Prema Rawat were the tormentors-in-chief, each claiming three wickets to dismantle the Pakistani batting lineup.
| Player (Pakistan) | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Shawaal Zulfiqar | 14 | 20 |
| Other batters | < 10 | – |
Pakistan lost six wickets for just 15 runs at one stage, eventually being bowled out for 55 in 18.1 overs.
India’s Dominant Chase
In response, India made light work of the modest target, despite a brief wobble where they lost three quick wickets. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who became the first captain to lead a side in 150 T20 International matches, along with Deepti Sharma, calmly steered India to victory.
| Player (India) | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Harmanpreet Kaur | 18* | 11 |
| Shafali Verma | 12 | 6 |
| Deepti Sharma | 12* | 8 |
India reached 57/3 in just 8.4 overs, sealing a comprehensive victory with 68 balls to spare and securing their spot in the semi-finals as group toppers.
Wahab Riaz’s Stance and Tournament Context
Wahab Riaz’s statement, ‘Pakistan Best Team In Women’s Asia Cup’ after such a significant defeat, stands in stark contrast to his previous comments this year where he emphasized the need for ‘fearless cricket’ and acknowledged that building a strong team would ‘take some time’. Pakistan, who are in Group A alongside India, Thailand, and Hong Kong China, will now need to regroup quickly as they face Hong Kong China on Monday, September 7, 2026, at 8:00 PM IST.
The Women’s Asia Cup 2026 features eight teams battling for the T20 championship, with the tournament set to conclude with the final on September 13. All matches are being played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with semi-finals scheduled for September 10 and 11.
This stunning defeat and the coach’s defiant stance undoubtedly add a new layer of intrigue to Pakistan’s campaign, as they aim to bounce back from a crushing loss against their biggest rivals.