Despite a humiliating seven-wicket defeat against arch-rivals India, Pakistan women cricket team’s head coach Wahab Riaz has said that he still believes the women in green are the “best side” to lift the trophy.
Pakistan suffered a dramatic batting collapse in their Group A clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium as the side was bowled out for just 55, their lowest total in T20I history.
Pakistan’s innings fell apart after a solid start. The team reached 27 without loss before losing six wickets for just eight runs off 29 balls, leaving them reeling at 35-6.
Only Muneeba Ali, who scored 13, and Shawaal Zulfiqar, who made 14, managed to reach double figures. Pakistan were dismissed in 18.1 overs.
The defeat came in Pakistan’s 200th T20I, turning what should have been a landmark occasion into a disappointing display.
India chased down the modest target in just 8.4 overs, losing three wickets along the way, to secure their third consecutive Group A win and qualify for the semi-finals as group winners.
Despite the emphatic loss, Riaz remained confident about his team’s chances of lifting the trophy, pointing to conditions in the region that he believes suit Pakistan.
“I believe that all the players in our team are very skilful, and they just need to trust themselves,” Riaz told reporters after the match.
He said the focus now shifts to the next fixture against Hong Kong.
“We will go back and discuss what we did wrong against India. We won’t commit the same mistakes,” he added.
Riaz stressed the importance of learning from mistakes made against India and urged his players to maintain belief in their abilities.
“I still believe Pakistan is the best side in this Asia Cup to lift the trophy because the conditions really suit us,” he stated.
Pakistan are set to face Hong Kong Women in their next match today (Monday).
