Wahab Riaz blames Pakistan’s own mistakes for T20 World Cup exit: We beat ourselves

Pakistan coach Wahab Riaz said his team was disappointed in the Women’s T20 World Cup. On Saturday, Fatima Sana’s side crashed out of the tournament after suffering a 23-run defeat to Bangladesh at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.

Chasing 124 for victory, Pakistan were in a good place at 69 for 2 after 11 overs. a dramatic batting collapse saw them finish at 100 for 8.

Referring to the campaign, Wahab said that Pakistan was responsible for its own downfall rather than being outplayed by its opponents. He expressed disappointment at the team’s inability to handle the pressure, especially after batting collapses in the first three games.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh Women’s World Cup T20: Highlights | Scorecard

The defeat left Pakistan winless in the tournament and their remaining two matches now only offer a chance to salvage some pride.

“It’s very disappointing that we are out of the World Cup because from our point of view I still believe that no other team has really beaten us. We have beaten ourselves. That’s a big difference. When another team plays better and beats you, you have to give them credit. But unfortunately in our last three games we were not up to the mark and we were the ones who let those games slip away,” Wahab said at a press conference.

HOW PAKISTAN WITHSTANDED THE HORRIFIC BALLS

Against India, Pakistan cruised to a powerhouse 51-1 before Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani sparked a batting collapse. Against South Africa, Pakistan slumped to 50 for 8 as the Proteas trio of Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka wreaked havoc.

Captain Fatima Sana fought valiantly against South Africa, scoring 55 runs and taking three wickets, but her all-round efforts ultimately went in vain. Against Bangladesh, Muneeba Ali and Gul Feroza laid a solid foundation with a 49-run opening partnership. However, Pakistan suffered another dramatic batting collapse which resulted in their elimination from the tournament.

After losing their first three matches, Pakistan will look to do better when they take on Australia in their penultimate group stage match at Headingley in Leeds on June 23. They will end their campaign on June 27 in Bristol against tournament debutants the Netherlands.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

21 Jun 2026 16:26 IST