Pakistan secured their place in the semifinals of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 after defeating Hong Kong, China by 72 runs in Dubai on Monday, September 7. Following the convincing victory in their third Group A match, Pakistan women’s cricket team head coach Wahab Riaz interacted with supporters at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and thanked them for their passionate backing.
During the interaction, one Pakistani fan made an unusual request to the former Pakistan pacer. Rather than focusing on winning the Asia Cup trophy, the supporter insisted that Pakistan’s primary objective should be defeating arch-rivals India if the two teams meet again in the tournament.
“Wahab sahab, India par koshish karein. Wahab bhai, India ko beat karna hai humne. Humein (Asia Cup) trophy nahi chahiye, India ko humne harana hai. India nahi chhodna.”
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The passionate plea comes after Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat against India earlier in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026. The two sides met in their Group A clash at the same venue on September 5, with Pakistan being bowled out for just 55 runs in 18.1 overs after captain Fatima Sana elected to bat first.
Fans to Wahab Riaz: “We don’t need the trophy” we just want to beat India”, This is the Pakistani mindset, and This is the reason their cricket has been on a downward spiral pic.twitter.com/5JNO4CDzBp
— Space Recorder (@1spacerecorder) September 8, 2026
India made light work of the modest target, reaching 56 runs in less than nine overs to complete a dominant seven-wicket victory. The result further extended India’s strong record against Pakistan in women’s cricket and left Pakistan needing to regroup ahead of the knockout stage.
Pakistan will now face defending champions Sri Lanka in the second semifinal of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 on Friday, September 11. The fixture presents Pakistan with another opportunity to reach the final and keep their title hopes alive.
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If Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka and India win the first semifinal, the tournament could produce another India-Pakistan showdown in the final. The much-anticipated summit clash is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, in Dubai, potentially setting up another high-pressure encounter between the arch-rivals.
