Wahab determined to redeem himself

After earning a surprising call-up to Pakistan’s squad for the ICC World Cup 2019, fast bowler Wahab Riaz wants to make his opportunity count.

Wahab hasn’t played ODI cricket for Pakistan since the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. The left-armer even had his work ethic questioned by the head coach Mickey Arthur, who had criticised Wahab for having lost his match-winning abilities.

But after rediscovering his form in the Pakistan Cup, a domestic 50-over competition, where he was named Bowler of the Series for his season-topping 10 wickets in five matches, Wahab said that he was always fully prepared for the World Cup.

“I even had dreams I was meeting Mickey Arthur and Sarfaraz Ahmad, and sometimes they would pick me, and reject me at other times,” he said. “Around ten days ago, I had a dream that Inzi bhai [Inzamamul Haq, the chief selector] gave me a call and told me that I have been selected and this is my last chance. It was exactly how it happened when I was called and told about the decision. It is nothing less than make or break for a player who gets an opportunity to play in the World Cup.”