Watch: Riaz's bold claim despite PAK-W's crushing defeat vs IND

Despite the horrible defeat against India, Pakistan Women’s head coach Wahab Riaz backed his team and made a bold statement after their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 match. On September 5, Pakistan were bowled out for just 55 runs before India chased down the target with seven wickets in hand.

India’s bowlers dominated the game, with Shree Charani taking three wickets, while Deepti Sharma and Prema Rawat picked up two each. Shafali Verma also took one wicket as Pakistan were dismissed in just 18.1 overs.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Wahab Riaz surprisingly said that he still believes Pakistan are the best side in the ongoing Women’s Asia Cup and can lift the trophy. His comments quickly caught fans' attention on social media.

Watch the viral video here:

Pakistan Women bundled out for just 55 runs against India

Pakistan Women suffered another embarrassing defeat against arch-rivals India in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 group-stage clash in Dubai on Saturday. India’s bowlers dominated the game and kept Pakistan under pressure throughout the innings.

Fatima Sana and her team made a steady start after opting to bat first, with the openers adding 27 runs in the first five overs. However, their innings quickly collapsed as they lost six wickets for just 35 runs before being bowled out for 55.

The 55-run total became Pakistan’s lowest-ever score in T20I cricket, going past their previous lowest total of 56 against New Zealand in Dubai in 2024. India then comfortably chased the 56-run target to continue their strong run in the tournament.

Wahab Riaz's full 'best side to lift the trophy' statement explained

Wahab Riaz defended Pakistan Women despite their heavy defeat against India in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026. Pakistan were bowled out for just 55 runs before India comfortably chased the target with seven wickets in hand.

Speaking after the match, Riaz backed his players and said they needed to trust themselves. He also insisted that Pakistan still have the ability to win the tournament. “I believe that all the players in our team are very skilful, and they just need to trust themselves,” Riaz said.

Riaz further explained his confidence in the team despite the disappointing result against India. “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. I still believe Pakistan is the best side in this Asia Cup to lift the trophy because the conditions really suit us,” he said.

Fans and experts react as Riaz defends squad despite the collapse

Fans on social media reacted strongly to Wahab Riaz’s comments after Pakistan Women’s heavy defeat against India. Many cricket fans felt that his claim about Pakistan being the best team in the tournament did not match the team’s performance.

One fan criticised Riaz’s statement and pointed out that Pakistan had been bowled out for just 55 runs before losing to India by seven wickets. Another fan also called his comments “delulu” and questioned the lack of accountability after such a poor performance. Here is how the fans reacted on X:

However, some fans saw Riaz’s comments as an attempt to support and motivate his players after the collapse. Despite the mixed reactions, his statement quickly became a major talking point among cricket fans across social media.