‘Team first’, Riaz says on repeating 2015 performance against Watson

• Peshawar Zalmi’s left-arm pacer hopes to play in front of home crowd in Peshawar next year
• Credits stronger batting streak to decision to include Shoaib Malik in the team

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi’s left-arm fast bowler, Wahab Riaz, vouched to recast the spell which left former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson clueless in the 2015 World Cup quarter final, adding that his priority would be to play “for the team first.”
“I have set some bars for my performances because people want me to do the same thing as I had done in 2015. Obviously, I want to clear that. I want to do it again. My priority would be to perform for the team,” Riaz told Arab News earlier this week.
Riaz bowled one of the most ferocious overs in World Cup history helping Pakistan beat Australia in Adelaide on March 19.
Watson, who is representing Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions, the Quetta Gladiators, this year was up against the Zalmis for their second match at the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday.
The Zalmis almost chased the Karachi Kings’ impressive target of 202 runs on Friday, with Riaz saying that the batting line had become strong after the inclusion of senior batsman, Shoaib Malik.
“I think the limitations were in the last four seasons, because our middle order was not that strong. But after having Shoaib Malik in the team, and the way he has been performing all around the world, I think it’s amazing to have him in the team,” Riaz said, adding that the team had a great combination of players this year.
“It’s amazing that we are getting bowlers who can bowl 140 plus, and Amir is a very sensational bowler. He has got that quality. I think we need to groom these players...and obviously, he is a player who can represent Pakistan in the coming future,” he said in reference to one of the emerging fast bowlers from his team.
Riaz has been a part of Peshawar Zalmi since its inception in 2015 and credits the team’s goodwill to the manner in which the management “takes care of the players.”
“I think the kind of atmosphere we had in Peshawar, it’s amazing ...and especially the way they take care of the players, and the confidence they give to the players. I think it’s not all about money, but it’s all about how the franchise looks after you. So I think that’s the best thing I have seen in Peshawar,” he said.
Wahab welcomed the return of international cricket to Pakistan, which he said gave young players the platform to deal with the pressure, especially in front of a huge crowd, adding in the same breath that he missed playing in front of his home crowd in Peshawar.
“They would love to see their team playing in front of their home crowd. But unfortunately, the grounds are not ready yet. Hopefully by next year, the ground will be ready,” he said.