Women's T20 WC: Pakistan mentor Wahab backs young squad to 'play fearless cricket', targets top-four finish
Birmingham, June 11
Pakistan women's team mentor Wahab Riaz said the squad's recent preparation and youthful energy give him confidence ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, adding that the Fatima Sana-led side are sure to play fearless cricket and are targeting a top-four finish.
The 10th edition of the Women's T20 World Cup, to be staged in England from June 12 to July 5, is set to be the biggest in the tournament's history, with the field expanding to 12 teams. The event will feature 33 matches across seven venues, and Pakistan have been drawn in Group 1 alongside six‑time champions Australia, arch‑rivals India, South Africa, Bangladesh, and debutant Netherlands.
"We have worked hard over the past few months, playing a series against Zimbabwe and facing Ireland and the West Indies. This is a young and energetic group that can rise to the occasion at the World Cup.
"You prepare your entire life to play in a World Cup, and it is an opportunity everyone looks forward to. Our focus is on playing a fearless and positive brand of cricket. We need to believe in our hard work, and the results will follow," Wahab said in a PCB statement on Thursday.
Seam-bowling all-rounder Fatima will lead Pakistan in a second straight T20 World Cup, after having captained the side at the 2024 edition in the UAE. She enters the tournament in red‑hot form after smashing the fastest half‑century in just 15 balls in women's T20Is during Pakistan's 3‑0 sweep of Zimbabwe in Karachi last month.
Pakistan's build‑up to the tournament included away T20Is in South Africa, a home series against Zimbabwe, training camps, and a tri‑series in Ireland featuring the hosts and West Indies from May 28 to June 4. The side also played warm‑up matches in Derby against Sri Lanka on June 6 and Scotland on June 9, which they lost.
"Our group has some of the finest sides in the tournament, and this is a good opportunity for us to start on the right track, with things getting easier as the event progresses. We have a combination of youngsters and senior players, and I am confident that, given the hard work these players have put in, if they play to their potential, they will deliver a top-four finish," added Wahab.
After opening their campaign against India, Pakistan will stay in Birmingham to meet South Africa on June 17 before travelling to Southampton to face Bangladesh on June 20. They take on Australia at Headingley in Leeds on June 23, with their final group match against the Netherlands scheduled for June 27 in Bristol.
On conditions in England, Wahab said the squad had already taken steps to adapt. "The wickets in the UK are usually green and seaming. We have acclimatised to the conditions through the tri-series in Ireland and the two warm-up matches in Derby.
"A World Cup is a stage where the whole world is watching you. The team has to work hard and believe it can go the distance, and we will give our best with a fighting spirit to perform well in this tournament."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Cricket is cricket, but let's be honest – the Pakistan women's team has struggled against top sides. Wahab's optimism is nice, but they need to beat Bangladesh and Netherlands first before dreaming of top four. The India match will be a real test though! 🏏
Fair play to Wahab for backing his team. That's what a mentor should do. But seriously, Pakistan's women's team hasn't won a match against India in T20 World Cups since 2012. Top four would be a miracle. Still, I hope they play well – good for Asian cricket! 🙌
I appreciate the confidence, but I think Wahab is overselling here. Pakistan lost warm-up matches to Scotland, that's worrying. The group is brutal – Australia, India, SA... It's like they're in a mini World Cup just to survive. Fatima Sana's form is a bright spot though. Let's see how it goes! 😃
From an Indian perspective, I hope the Pakistan match is a cracker! The rivalry adds so much spice. But honestly, Wahab should focus on the basics first – the bowling attack looks thin. Still, if they play fearless cricket against India, it could be a great contest. Best of luck to both teams! 🇮🇳🤝🇵🇰
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