When you think of Pakistan cricket, fast bowlers are often the first names that come to mind. Over the years, Pakistan has produced legends like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar. Among the more recent generation of quicks, Wahab Riaz carved a niche for himself with raw pace, aggression, and unforgettable match-winning spells.
Whether it was his fiery battle with Shane Watson in the 2015 World Cup, his yorkers in ODIs, or his knack for striking in T20s, Wahab Riaz left fans with moments they’ll never forget.
This article takes you through Wahab Riaz’s career, stats, and highlights—all in one place.
Quick Profile: Wahab Riaz at a Glance
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Full Name: Wahab Riaz
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Born: June 28, 1985 (Age: 39)
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Birthplace: Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
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Role: Bowler
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Batting Style: Right-handed
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Bowling Style: Left-arm fast
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Country: Pakistan
Known for his express pace, Wahab consistently clocked over 150 km/h in his prime. While injuries and form sometimes held him back, his passion and energy were undeniable every time he stepped onto the field.
Wahab Riaz in Test Cricket: Short but Impactful
Wahab’s Test career wasn’t as long as his ODI or T20 journey, but he did play crucial roles in Pakistan’s victories.
Test Career Stats
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Matches: 27
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Wickets: 83
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Best Bowling (Innings): 5/63
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Best Match Figures: 7/134
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Bowling Average: 34.51
His debut in 2010 against England at The Oval saw him announce himself with a five-wicket haul. However, inconsistency and Pakistan’s spin-heavy strategies meant he was never a permanent fixture in the Test squad.
With the bat, Wahab’s contribution was modest: 306 runs in 41 innings, with a top score of 39. He wasn’t a genuine all-rounder, but he could hang around when needed.
Wahab Riaz in ODIs: A World Cup Warrior
If you ask cricket fans to pick Wahab’s most iconic moment, many will point straight to the 2015 ICC World Cup quarter-final against Australia. His fiery spell to Shane Watson, filled with bouncers and raw pace, became an instant classic—even though Pakistan lost.
ODI Career Stats
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Matches: 91
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Wickets: 120
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Best Bowling: 5/46
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Bowling Average: 34.31
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Economy: 5.71
With the bat, Wahab chipped in with 740 runs, including three fifties. His highest ODI score was 54, often coming in pressure situations when Pakistan needed quick runs from the tail.
While his bowling average doesn’t scream dominance, Wahab was a big-match player. He raised his game on the world stage, especially in World Cups.
Wahab Riaz in T20Is: A Strike Bowler
T20 cricket is unforgiving for bowlers, but Wahab’s ability to strike early and deliver in death overs made him a valuable asset.
T20I Career Stats
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Matches: 36
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Wickets: 34
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Best Bowling: 3/18
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Average: 28.56
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Economy Rate: 8.21
While his numbers are solid, Wahab’s true T20 value came in franchise leagues like the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he often captained Peshawar Zalmi and became one of the league’s top wicket-takers.
With the bat, he scored 154 runs with a strike rate of 125.21, occasionally providing late-order fireworks.
Wahab Riaz the Batsman: A Fighter in the Lower Order
Though primarily a bowler, Wahab had his moments with the bat:
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Tests: 306 runs (HS: 39)
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ODIs: 740 runs (HS: 54, 3 fifties)
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T20Is: 154 runs (HS: 30)
He wasn’t consistent, but he played the role of a lower-order fighter who could frustrate opposition bowlers with stubborn partnerships or quick cameos.
Career Timeline: Wahab Riaz’s Cricket Journey
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ODI Debut: vs Zimbabwe, Feb 2, 2008, at Sheikhupura Stadium
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Last ODI: vs Zimbabwe, Nov 3, 2020, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
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T20I Debut: vs Bangladesh, Apr 20, 2008, at National Stadium, Karachi
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Last T20I: vs New Zealand, Dec 20, 2020, at Seddon Park
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Test Debut: vs England, Aug 18, 2010, at Kennington Oval
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Last Test: vs Australia, Oct 7, 2018, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium
This timeline shows his 12-year international career, marked by ups and downs but filled with unforgettable moments.
Wahab Riaz’s Most Iconic Performances
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World Cup 2015 vs Australia: His bouncer barrage at Shane Watson remains one of the fiercest spells ever bowled in World Cup history. Even legends praised his aggression and heart.
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Test Debut Five-Wicket Haul: Announced himself against England in 2010 with 5/63 at The Oval.
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PSL Performances: Consistently among the top wicket-takers, proving his T20 value.
What Made Wahab Riaz Special?
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Pace & Aggression: Few bowlers could consistently rattle batsmen with raw speed like Wahab.
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Big-Match Temperament: He often performed his best in high-pressure games.
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Versatility: Played across formats and adapted to different conditions.
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Leadership in PSL: His role as Peshawar Zalmi’s spearhead showed his maturity and experience.
Legacy of Wahab Riaz in Pakistan Cricket
While Wahab Riaz may not have the career numbers of legends like Wasim Akram, his legacy lies in moments that fans will never forget. He symbolized the raw, fiery spirit of Pakistan cricket—unpredictable, passionate, and always entertaining.
Young fast bowlers in Pakistan often cite Wahab as an inspiration, especially for the way he backed himself against the best in the world. His battles with top-order batters, particularly in World Cups, etched his name in cricketing folklore.
Also Read : Alex Carey Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
Life Beyond International Cricket
By 2020, Wahab stepped away from Pakistan’s main squad but continued playing in leagues worldwide. His presence in the PSL remains strong, and his leadership at Peshawar Zalmi has earned respect.
At 39, his international days may be behind him, but his passion for the game hasn’t faded. Fans still get to enjoy his pace and aggression in franchise cricket.
Final Thoughts
Wahab Riaz’s cricket journey is a story of pace, passion, and unforgettable spells. While his stats might not place him among the all-time greats, his fiery spirit and iconic moments ensured he’ll always be remembered.
From his Test debut five-for to the 2015 World Cup battle with Watson, Wahab gave fans countless reasons to cheer. He represents what Pakistan fast bowling is all about—fearless, aggressive, and unpredictable.
For cricket lovers, Wahab Riaz will always be that bowler who could turn a match on its head with sheer pace and heart.
