Wahab Riaz Calls Pakistan Best Side After India Defeat

Pakistan women’s coach Wahab Riaz said he still believes his team is the best side in Women’s Asia Cup 2026 after India bowled Pakistan out for 55 and completed a seven-wicket chase in 8.4 overs.

The result left Pakistan facing a difficult route to the semifinals, with their next match against Hong Kong carrying major importance for their campaign. Pakistan must win that game to keep their qualification hopes alive, according to the source report.

India’s bowlers controlled the contest after Pakistan elected to bat first. Shree Charni took three wickets, while Deepti Sharma and Prema Rawat claimed two each. Shafali Verma also took one wicket as Pakistan were dismissed in 18.1 overs.

Pakistan’s batting card offered little resistance beyond opening pair Muneeba Ali and Shawal Zulfiqar. The two openers were the only Pakistan batters to reach double figures, with the remainder of the lineup unable to make a double-digit score.

India complete rapid chase after Pakistan are dismissed for 55

India were set a target of 56 after Pakistan’s innings ended at 55. The chase was completed in 8.4 overs, with India losing three wickets on the way to a seven-wicket win.

The margin of the result underlined India’s control of the match. Pakistan’s total gave their bowlers limited room to create pressure, while India’s chase was completed well inside 10 overs.

For Pakistan, the defeat came at a significant point in the tournament. The team now need a response in their next outing against Hong Kong, with the report stating that another defeat would end their semifinal hopes.

Despite the scale of the loss, Riaz offered a strong defence of his players and their prospects in the competition. Speaking after the match, he said the squad had the skill required but needed to have faith in itself.

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

Riaz also maintained that Pakistan could still go on to win the tournament, pointing to the conditions as a factor in his confidence. “I still believe Pakistan is the best side in this Asia Cup to lift the trophy because the conditions really suit us,” he said.

Riaz addresses squad changes after captain Sana Mir’s criticism

Riaz was also asked about comments from Pakistan captain Sana Mir regarding changes made to the squad for the Asia Cup. The report said Mir criticised the management over a number of changes, including the omission of seven players.

The coach said Mir was entitled to her view but made clear that he did not share it. “Sana Mir has her own opinion. I have nothing to do with that opinion,” Riaz said.

He explained that the changes had been made with upcoming tournaments in mind, arguing that players who had featured previously had played in major events without delivering the results Pakistan wanted. Riaz said the intention was to introduce new faces and build the side for the future.

“It is not about who we left behind. We have to look at the reality,” he said. “The girls who were left out weren’t performing at all. I think we did the right move by bringing new girls into the mix.”

Pakistan’s immediate focus is now the Hong Kong match. After the heavy defeat to India, the next fixture represents a must-win opportunity to remain in contention in Women’s Asia Cup 2026.