Southampton, June 21,2026: Pakistan head coach Wahab Riaz expressed disappointment after his side crashed out of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup following a defeat to Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team at the Hampshire Bowl on Saturday.
The loss marked Pakistan’s third consecutive defeat in the tournament and ended their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
Chasing a target of 124, Pakistan appeared well placed after openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza put together a promising 49-run partnership. Muneeba scored 25 while Gull contributed 23, giving Pakistan a solid platform in the run chase.
However, a middle-order collapse derailed the innings, leaving captain Fatima Sana and the lower order with too much to do as Pakistan fell short of the target.
Speaking after the match, Wahab said Pakistan had largely been responsible for their own downfall throughout the tournament.
“It is very disappointing to be out of the World Cup because from our point of view, I still think that no other team has beaten you. It’s you yourself who has got beaten by the other teams,” he said.
The former Pakistan fast bowler added that his team had repeatedly failed to capitalize on strong positions in pressure situations.
“Unfortunately, in all the last three games we were not up to the mark and it was us who gave the games away,” he said.
Wahab pointed to Pakistan’s inability to manage a relatively straightforward chase as a key factor behind the defeat. He stressed that experienced players needed to shoulder greater responsibility during crucial moments.
“We were going at the right pace with the right runs on the board, but suddenly there was a collapse. The senior players have to take responsibility. You cannot let it slip like this. You have to read the situation and step up,” he said.
Pakistan required less than six runs per over for much of the chase, but poor execution under pressure ultimately proved costly.
Fatima Sana was among only four Pakistan batters to reach double figures as Bangladesh successfully defended their total of 123-6 to secure a crucial victory.
Despite their elimination, Pakistan still have two matches remaining in the tournament. They will face six-time champions Australia Women’s Cricket Team in Leeds on Tuesday before concluding their campaign against the Netherlands Women’s Cricket Team next Saturday.
The defeat leaves Pakistan reflecting on missed opportunities in a campaign that showed glimpses of potential but was ultimately undermined by inconsistency and an inability to close out key moments.
