‘Bas kuch din ke liye’ – Fans react as Pakistan bowler Wahab Riaz announces retirement from international cricket
Wahab Riaz was one of the quickest bowlers of his time. The 38-year-old pacer has announced his retirement from international cricket. The left-arm pacer was a thing of beauty when in full rhythm. In the early 2010s to mid-2010s, Riaz was at his best and used to operate at speeds of over 150 kmph consistently. The pacer used to entertain the fans with his exceptional pace bowling.
The best memories of Wahab Riaz are from the ODI World Cup in 2011 and 2015. In the semifinal of the 2011 ODI World Cup, Pakistan was facing India in their backyard in Mohali. On the big day, Riaz was at his best and showed the skills of peak reverse swing under the scorching heat of Mohali. Riaz dismissed a dangerous-looking Virender Sehwag and then dismissed the likes of Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, and Zaheer Khan.
Another great spell of Riaz is from the 2015 ODI World Cup game against Australia. It was the quarterfinal of the tournament between Pakistan and Australia in Adelaide. Riaz was consistently operating at over 150 kmph and threatened the batters in the middle. The likes of Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, and David Warner had no answer to the express pace of Riaz.
Wahab Riaz: Records in International cricket and ODI World Cup
In the 2011 ODI World Cup, Riaz played 5 matches and claimed 8 wickets at a bowling average of 19.75, a bowling strike rate of 25.38, at an economy of 4.67, including a five-wicket haul against India. In the 2015 ODI World Cup, the express pace bowler picked 16 wickets in 7 matches at a bowling average of 23.00, at a bowling strike rate of 24.81, including a 4-wicket haul.
The Pakistani pacer played 27 Test matches and claimed 83 wickets at an average of 34.51 with the ball. In ODIs, Riaz played 91 matches and claimed 120 wickets at a bowling average of 34.31. In T20Is, Riaz claimed 34 wickets in 36 matches at a bowling average of 28.56.
Here’s how the fans reacted to the news –
I don't take these retirements seriously they can take U turn anytime . These announcements are joke now.
— Archer (@poserarcher) August 16, 2023
Who cares about him? Even finished and old players like iftikhar hits him for 5 sixes back to back.
— 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭!𝟎𝐧_👑🚩 (@bholination) August 16, 2023
Ab crucial overs me full toss kaun fekega?🥺
— Dr. Ajayita (@DoctorAjayita) August 16, 2023
Is he going to be next PM?
— Uttkarsh Singh (@Uttupaaji) August 16, 2023
Only to take it back tomorrow.
U – turn specialist !— Nitin Verma (@itsnitinverma) August 16, 2023
Fear of Rohit Sharma
— ISHU YADAV (@IshRo45) August 16, 2023
Isko kaun 6 chhakke mara tha abhi 😹
— Gagan🇮🇳 (@1no_aalsi_) August 16, 2023
Kohli couldn't play him in wc semi 2011 if i remember
— samrat 🚬 (@45isEmotion) August 16, 2023
Bs kuchh din k liye hi 🤡
— Ayaan Kaith (@KaithAyaan22) August 16, 2023
He'll be forever remembered for this spell. pic.twitter.com/2n7hd8WoT3
— DJ_Here (@DJHere5) August 16, 2023
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