Pakistan’s left-arm fast bowler Wahab Riaz proved expensive to the team, contributing to their loss by giving away 87 runs, in 8.4 overs, with no wickets to his credit.
According to a Yahoo Cricket report, Riaz’s 87 takes over Zimbabwe cricketer T Panyangara’s tally of 86 runs against England in the tournament in 2004.
According to a Geo.tv news report, Riaz was picked over Junaid Khan by team coach Mickey Arthur.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Arthur took the blame for selecting Riaz.
I’ll take the blame, me, I’ll take it. I selected him. I selected him because I wanted him to perform a role. Okay? He didn’t execute that role, unfortunately. So sometimes it works out. Sometimes it doesn’t.
After Riaz earlier injured his knee, there were speculations regarding him playing Sunday’s match against India. He, however was picked for the match, for which he reportedly appeared with a portion of his knee bandaged.
Over the course of the game, Riaz sustained another injury and was wheeled away mid-way through the match. He twisted his knee and was unable to bowl the 9th over. He is said to have undergone X-Ray tests at the hospital.