How did Wahab react to being included in Pakistan’s World Cup squad?

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Wahab Riaz thrilled and excited to be included in Pakistan's squad for the World Cup cricket

Wahab Riaz: “Thrilled and excited to take part in the World Cup for my country”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Pakistan left-arm seamer Wahab Riaz was over the moon to be included in the World Cup team, saying it has “rebuilt my faith in optimism and dedication”.

Wahab, who has not played ODI cricket since the Champions Trophy in 2017, was initially not included in the list of 23 probables for the World Cup, but was the third-highest wicket-taker in this year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) with 17 wickets in 13 games for the Peshawar Zalmi at an average of 19.88.

Despite this, he was included in the finalised World Cup squad due to “his ability to reverse swing the ball”, according to chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq.

In addition to Wahab, left-arm pace bowler Mohammad Amir and big-hitting middle order batsman Asif Ali were also included in the team.

Left-arm seamer Junaid Khan, all-rounder Faheem Ashraf and opener Abid Ali were axed from the squad.

Upon learning about the good news, Wahab took to Twitter and said: “Alhamdulillah! Thrilled and excited to take part in the World Cup for my country. The support you guys have shown is heartwarming and I’ll give my best to this opportunity. It [has] also rebuilt my faith in optimism and dedication.”

Pakistan will play two World Cup warm-up games against Afghanistan and Bangladesh in Bristol and Cardiff on May 24 and 26 respectively.

They will then begin their World Cup campaign against the West Indies in Nottingham on May 31.

Pakistan’s World Cup Squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Hasnain

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