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Wahab Riaz (Source: Twitter)
In big news coming from Pakistan Cricket, fast bowler Wahab Riaz has hung up his boots from international cricket. When it comes to Test matches, The left-arm bowler has picked up 83 wickets in 27 games at an economy rate ofΒ 3.42 and at a strike rate of 60.4 with two five-wicket hauls. When it comes to ODI's, he has taken 120 wickets in 91 games.
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He has one five-wicket haul in ODI's which he took in the 2011 semi-final game against India. In the 2015 World Cup, he bowled a fast, feisty and memorable spell to Shane Watson in a game against Australia that will forever be etched in cricket fans' memory. Riaz has further indicated that he will continue to play in franchise cricket.
When it comes to T20Is. He has picked up 34 scalps in 36 matches at an economy rate of 8.20. Riaz last played for Peshawar Zalmi in 2023. Riaz has also been donning the political hat in recent times. He had a short stint as Sports Minister of Punjab Province in January.
It has been an honour and privilege to represent Pakistan: Wahab Riaz
"I have been speaking about my retirement plans past two years, that 2023 is my target to retire from International cricket, and I feel comfortable now more than ever that I have served my country and National team to the best I could have," Riaz said in a press statement.
"It has been an honour and a privilege to represent Pakistan on the international stage. As I bid farewell to this chapter, I am thrilled to embark on a new adventure in franchise cricket, where I hope to entertain and inspire audiences while competing against some of the best talents in the world." Riaz added.
The former Pakistan fast bowler has been a globetrotter in franchise cricket and has played for teams such as Trent Rockets, Surrey, Brampton Wolves, Deccan Gladiators, Northern Superchargers Galle Gladiators, Rangpur Riders, Barbados Royals and the like. Riaz gave it his all on the field for Pakistan and it will be interesting to see if he takes up coaching in the near future.
Let us take a look at the reactions on Twitter:
baap of watson
β Swastik Dash (@Swastik_45) August 16, 2023
His spell vs Watson at WC 2015 was scarily brilliant π² pic.twitter.com/zDCmxFwIBY
β Shubham Sinha (@iamssinha7) August 16, 2023
accha bowler tha
β Ketan (@ketanpunekarrr) August 16, 2023
Deserved to play much more considering the skills he had.
β JoeCricket_ (@Joecricket_) August 16, 2023
Wahab riaz owns india remember thats he is also left arm πππ
β Sarfraz Gilchrist π΅π° (@ba635897) August 16, 2023
Happy Retirement to Wahab Riaz.#Wahabriaz | #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/jzN9lK50CD
β M__H CRICKET ππ΅π° (@MH_cric) August 16, 2023
Congrats Wahab Riaz wish all the best for your future You Wil Be Remember Forever as Great Cricketer For Pakistan...Still Remember Yuvraj bowled And Spell against Australia...
β Siddiqui (@AffanSiddiqui10) August 16, 2023
Satyavachan... This is my favourite memory from the 2015 WC. if u watch the highlights or.look at the score, it's nothing, but if you had watched the game. Wahab Riaz terrified the Aussies with his spell. Had the Pakistanis held on to their catches ... Oooh. Fiery spell. Loved it https://t.co/BUmcn3X03e
β RJ VISHNU πΈβΉοΈποΈππ΄ββοΈ Radiobaba (@RJVishnu) August 16, 2023
This spell will be remembered for a long time
β Vaibhav Sharma (@vaibhav_4x) August 16, 2023
Happy Retirement Wahab Riaz#WahabRiaz pic.twitter.com/3w2gV9cpLq
The streets will never forget Wahab Riaz's fiery spell to Shane Watson in the 2015 World Cup. https://t.co/bHuyzsEvKB
β Rohan Sengupta (@GarryDevilDada) August 16, 2023