'We are here to win': Wahab Riaz remains optimistic despite India loss

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan women’s coach Wahab Riaz has called for patience as his side continues to adjust to his methods during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales.

Riaz, who took charge at the start of the year, has already begun reshaping Pakistan’s approach in the shortest format, encouraging a more aggressive and proactive style of play.

Despite a 64-run defeat to India in Birmingham on Sunday, there were signs of progress, with Pakistan showing moments of control before lapses in concentration proved costly against their arch-rivals.

However, Riaz remains committed to his vision and believes results will follow once the team fully adapts to the new demands.

“We just took over like in the last four months. We have taken over this Pakistan cricket team and you cannot make a lot of changes in the way they have been playing and change the pattern overnight. So obviously it will take some time,” Riaz said after the defeat.

“The good thing is that what we want to do is compete with international standards where you need to score more runs in the Powerplay. You need to score at least 170 to be in the game and you have to maintain that approach.

“The message is very clear that we need to play positive cricket and fearless cricket. In this span of four months, nothing can change drastically.

“But the girls have been putting in a lot of effort and we are seeing glimpses in the bilateral series we have played. There are positives, but we need to finish games better. That is where we are falling short and I think we will get hold of it.”

Pakistan started brightly against India as Sadia Iqbal (2/41) removed Shafali Verma in the first over before dismissing Jemimah Rodrigues shortly after to give her side early momentum.

With the bat, openers Muneeba Ali (41) and Gull Feroza (12) added 38 for the first wicket, but India’s depth and consistency eventually tilted the contest in their favour as Pakistan failed to sustain their early promise.

Pakistan will look to bounce back when they face South Africa at Edgbaston on Wednesday. Riaz insisted his philosophy remains unchanged as his team continues its search for a first win.

“There are glimpses of positivity and we will take that forward. It is always going to be a game of nerves and we are working hard on it. You win one, you lose one. Unfortunately, we were on the losing side today,” he added.

“We are here to win. We just need to make fewer mistakes and believe in ourselves. We have to play more positive and fearless cricket. In T20 cricket there are no favourites. The day you play well in key phases, you win.”