ICC World Cup 2019 | Very pleased with Shaheen’s improvement says Wahab Riaz
Wahab Riaz shook off comparisons of their World Cup campaign to that of the successful run in ‘92, saying that the entire team is motivated to win the World Cup. Riaz said that he was extremely pleased with the performances of the bowling unit, especially that of young Shaheen Shah Afridi.
So far, history looks to be repeating itself with regards to Pakistan’s fortunes at the 2019 World Cup. Their campaign has eerie similarities to the successful run in the ‘92 edition. However, speedster Wahab Riaz responded to the parallels claiming that the team isn’t reading too much into the word going around.
"We don't really talk about 1992 that much. The first thing is in this team, everybody has the same purpose. That's where we started off and where we remain,” Wahab told PTI, reported India Today.
However, one cannot ignore their brilliant turnaround performances, winning against South Africa, New Zealand, and a thriller against Afghanistan. Riaz put it down to the inner motivation to go all the way.
"The turnaround is due to the motivation and the ambition of the team to win this World Cup. Everybody wants that. Obviously, this will be the last World Cup for Shoaib Malik and this is the time we are needed the most," Riaz said.
A lot of Pakistan’s success has been down to their pace bowling trio of Wahab, Amir, and young Shaheen. The enviable trio are the most successful at this World Cup so far, adding another seven wickets to their collection against Afghanistan.
"It's very pleasing the way we are bowling as a team, particularly the way Shaheen has improved. Shaheen was under pressure after his first game against Australia but he has come back and taken some important wickets for us. Amir we already know is one of the best bowlers in the world who swings the ball both ways. That puts pressure on the batsmen to play him. It's a good combination right now,” Riaz said.