"Attack is the best form of defence against South Africa" : Wahab Riaz

[MenInG]

Wahab Riaz has recently made headlines for Pakistan in the ongoing 2015 World Cup with some startling performances with the bat and ball. He is a key member of the fast improving Pakistan fast-bowling quartet which will soon take on the might of the South African batting machine. In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, the twenty-nine year old fast-bowler spoke about Pakistan's plans to counteract the threat of AB de Villiers, the apparent disadvantage to bowlers of the two new ball rule, his own form with the bat and the ball as well as Pakistan's determination to win the World Cup.

PakPassion.net : Pakistan will be playing an immensely important game against South Africa on Saturday. How would you describe the preparations for this match?

Wahab Riaz : The only real objective in our mind is to win this game. We will do what it takes and will be trying our utmost to perform and do our best in this game. The back to back victories against Zimbabwe and UAE were very important for us although preceding those games our output wasn’t that great. However, now the squad is in very good shape and very confident that they can perform well in the upcoming games.


PakPassion.net : Do you see any weaknesses in the South African team that Pakistan could exploit?

Wahab Riaz : Of course, we have planned out the bowling strategy in our team meetings and we have confidence in the same abilities that have won us recent games, to take us through this game as well. Our fast-bowlers have been bowling really well and we will put in the effort needed to hopefully bowl out South Africa for a low score.


PakPassion.net : As a fast-bowler how will you look to combat the threat of a superbly confident batsman like AB de Villiers?

Wahab Riaz : There is absolutely no doubt in anyone’s mind that he is a destructive batsman but you have to remember that it takes just one good ball to get him out. The effort will be to bowl as fast as we can and also to create pressure on him by bowling dot balls. We can then take advantage of any mistakes he makes due to the frustration of not being able to score against us. All I can say is that the overall plan is to bowl with an attacking mind-set. I believe that attack is the best form of defence against South Africa.

AB de Villiers is a destructive batsman with a huge array of shots in his repertoire. But sometimes, playing too many types of shots can cause one’s downfall as well. Obviously, it is only on the day of the game that we will find out how much pressure we can bring to bear on him but our objective will be to attack him as much as we can. We believe that we have the bowlers with the ability to handle any batsman in the world and this game will hopefully be no exception.


PakPassion.net : Your own form has been excellent in this World Cup. Whether it’s bowling, batting or fielding you seem to be on top of your game. This must be a source of great satisfaction for you?

Wahab Riaz : This is really due to the hard work we have all done in the past few weeks. I would credit the whole team management, especially Mushtaq Ahmed who is really encouraging and helping me work and practice hard. This tournament is as big as it gets and every team member is trying to do the best they can and stay in good shape. It is no secret that as we win matches, our confidence will improve as well. This is possibly also the reason for my good form which is really based on hard work and I can only thank the Almighty as the results of that hard work are for all to see.


PakPassion.net : Contrary to popular perception, the two new balls being used in the World Cup seem to have brought hardly any advantage to the bowlers. What is the reason for that?

Wahab Riaz : Yes, it is quite obvious that there isn’t any real advantage of the two new ball rule for bowlers. But then, you can always gain some advantage if you can pick one or two early wickets with the new ball. There is also very little reverse swing to be extracted due to the prevalent conditions. However, we have now worked on our new ball skills and Yorkers as well as deliveries of varying pace. In short, varieties in one’s bowling can get you success in these playing conditions.


PakPassion.net : It appears that 300 plus scores in one day cricket have become the norm nowadays. How difficult is it for a bowler when playing conditions seem to favour the batsmen to this extent?

Wahab Riaz : It’s always tough to bowl with the fielding restrictions for Pakistan or indeed any team for that matter, as is obvious from the results of some of the games. It seems that bowlers are regularly conceding a minimum of around sixty runs regardless of how good they are. So yes, there is a bit of a disadvantage for the fast-bowlers as these types of conditions seem to be favourable to the batsman. Coming back to the two new ball rule, I would say that the rule is in place and we as bowlers have to work hard to make good use of it. Yes, it’s tough but we will continue to work hard to overcome any disadvantage. Yes there are some big scores around but as a bowler if you want to stop teams from scoring huge totals, just simply make sure you hit the stumps.

PakPassion.net : What innovations can the bowlers bring into their game to combat the creative shot-making by batsmen, such as the Dil-scoop or lap sweeps etc?

Wahab Riaz :The fact is that if you have two set batsmen batting towards the last few overs then they can be very destructive and pose a real danger to any bowling attack. The only real safeguard against this is to eliminate any semblance of predictability from one’s bowling. If you become predictable then the batsman knows exactly what the bowler is trying to do next. In my view, a fast-bowler will only be successful in such conditions if he can try something different such as varying his length or bowling bouncers and regularly take wickets.


PakPassion.net : There is a debate around the proposal to reduce the number of teams in the next World Cup to exclude some associate teams. Where do you stand on this question?

Wahab Riaz : I feel that we should have more teams in this type of tournament. We can see that amongst the associates, Scotland put up 300 plus runs against Bangladesh and gave a tough time to Sri Lanka as well. The same goes for the UAE and look at Ireland who beat West Indies. The lack of experience of playing at this level is the issue for the associates but each associate team brings colour & something different. They should be allowed to take part in future World Cups. They will continue to improve themselves if they play in such high profile tournaments and gain exposure as well.


PakPassion.net : Your recent exploits as a batsman have been very heartening for Pakistan. Do you feel that you have the potential to become a genuine all-rounder?

Wahab Riaz : In today’s game, it has become very important for bowlers to be able to bat well to support the team. As for my own performances with the bat, I am encouraged by the remarks of many people about my talent as a batsman. However, I need to put that talent into action by making good scores on a regular basis. The good news is that I am scoring well and working hard on my batting as well. My hope is that I can score well in each game and add twenty to thirty runs to the score coming in at my batting position. Not only is that good for the team but it is a great way to boost personal confidence and also gives an extra edge to one’s game.


PakPassion.net : Given your good stint with Kent in the past, would you be willing to go back to English County cricket should you get another opportunity?

Wahab Riaz : I will definitely want to return for another stint as that is a time when Pakistan will not be playing any international cricket. There are some negotiations taking place at the moment, and I hope something good will come out of that. County cricket is a great experience and really important for improving one’s bowling as you get to play as a professional in different conditions to home. You can really improve as a cricketer when playing county cricket.


PakPassion.net : The next two games will be similar to playing the final of the tournament and if Pakistan get to the Quarter Finals, then each of the three games can be treated as a final as well. Did you expect the tournament to progress in this way for Pakistan?

Wahab Riaz : We left Pakistan for Australia/New Zealand with only one objective, which was to win the World Cup. There are some crucial and tough games coming up against South Africa and Ireland and beyond, but we have belief in our goals and trust in each other. We will do what we can to win this tournament and bring the World Cup home. We have two finals coming up against South Africa and Ireland, then hopefully three more after that.

[Hamza_]

I really like his approach and attitude.

[Azlan Khan]

Brilliant interview with some fantastic answers.

[Watsupdoc]

He says that they have been practicing and working on yorkers, but I hardly seem him ball any in the matches. Would like to see more of these.

Good interview nonetheless, looks like the team is in good spirit now.

[GLORY OF '92]

Seems like one of those guys we use to have in abundance : confident, talented and aggressive.

Very fine interview.

[Pace90]

He excelled in all three departments, not just one. Bowling, batting and above all, fielding. That too in the world cup when playing with an under performing team, wow, great stuff.

[Lajpaal]

High spirits and in touch with reality. Good man!

[zabalestmsm]

Thats the spirit!

[Pakistani Pace]

Come On Boys!

[Pakistani Pace]

Hope We Bowl More Yorkers

[Pete Rose]

I like it. No sleep for me tomorrow.

[pakistani pride]

I really like his approach and attitude.

He has the right attitude.
He is vital.

I hope he bowls fast and puts m on the backfoot !

[Pace90]

Strange situation, I hope India will win against WI ( first time ever I wishing India to win ) and hope the game against SA will be washed out.

[world cup captain]

Really love this guy. The best interview I have read on PP.

[s28]

serving up more pies... humble pies for the haters

[iafzal]

Very nice interview. Kind of funny that many on PP were against his selection for the WC with him owning the tile of spray gun but he has turned all of those non believers around.
Seems to have a balanced head on his shoulders. Becoming a player who can turn the game around for Pakistan and we can always use such a player.

[Theo_14]

Wahab Riaz : I will definitely want to return for another stint as that is a time when Pakistan will not be playing any international cricket. There are some negotiations taking place at the moment, and I hope something good will come out of that. County cricket is a great experience and really important for improving one’s bowling as you get to play as a professional in different conditions to home. You can really improve as a cricketer when playing county cricket.PakPassion.net :

Fantastic news. Hopefully it finalizes - stint will allow him to work on his technical aspect of batting and improve on his current level of bowling and fitness. A hard working tireless player who works for the country, not for the name on the back of his shirt like other players. Also liked his interview after his MOTM display v Zimb - nice gesture to dedicate it to his parents.

[salman24]

I like his attitude. Actually has a winner's attitude

[Syed1]

Captain after WC, anyone?

[yadunoe]

this interview made me change me view about him he seems like a humble guy who is confident at the same time some very good answers .

[yadunoe]

Captain after WC, anyone?

before this interview I would of said hell no but maybe now I think yes he can if he keeps up good performances

[axl100mph]

before this interview I would of said hell no but maybe now I think yes he can if he keeps up good performances

wow, I see some changes there. From what I recall, most people were laughing at me for starting a thread on him being a likely contender for the captaincy

[Canistani Hero]

Very good interview go wahab!

[yadunoe]

wow, I see some changes there. From what I recall, most people were laughing at me for starting a thread on him being a likely contender for the captaincy

yes I admit ,this interview has made me change my views on him but we cant have a captain who doesnt perform consistently so if he can keep his performances up then he has the mindset that I like in my captain.

[axl100mph]

yes I admit ,this interview has made me change my views on him but we cant have a captain who doesnt perform consistently so if he can keep his performances up then he has the mindset that I like in my captain.

I feel that he is someone who ups his game when given responsibility. In recent times, the guy has performed better coz he has been entrusted with the role of senior bowler. Along with that, he has great attitude which is evident in his batting and fielding and an exemplary work ethic. He is also super fit, particularly for a fast bowler and has a level head on his shoulders
I hope he is not tactically naïve like misbah. This is where I get unsure and then realise how much of a loss Amir's fiasco has brought coz the guy was destined to be the skipper because he had a great cricketing brain.

But still Malik is the better option for now I presume, unless somebody can convince me of Wahab's tactical prowess

[Khyam]

Really good interview from Wahab

[Xoib]

he lacks talent but he makes it up with his attiude wish some of the talented blokes like Umer Akmal, Shehzad had his heart.

[jusarrived]

Win toss , bat first & some how get to 250+ . The reverse is also true for SA

[hussain.r97]

Great, sensible interview! Love his attitude!

[yadunoe]

I feel that he is someone who ups his game when given responsibility. In recent times, the guy has performed better coz he has been entrusted with the role of senior bowler. Along with that, he has great attitude which is evident in his batting and fielding and an exemplary work ethic. He is also super fit, particularly for a fast bowler and has a level head on his shoulders
I hope he is not tactically naïve like misbah. This is where I get unsure and then realise how much of a loss Amir's fiasco has brought coz the guy was destined to be the skipper because he had a great cricketing brain.

But still Malik is the better option for now I presume, unless somebody can convince me of Wahab's tactical prowess

lol Hell no for malik we need to rebuild team around a young skipper not some TTF lol. I would pick wahab ,haris, Fawad

[JibranAnsari]

At least he gives 100 percent , A bit of a spray gun most of the time. Having a rare good time at the moment.

[kingusama92]

Even when he's not performing well, he gives it his all in the field.

I like backing players like that. You know they care.

[UP]

The most 'giving his all' guy in the team.

[Third Man]

I know this might sound strange but i think he's the best candidate for the job in question. He seems to be an educated, sensible guy who plays with passion reminiscent of the olden days.

Plus he seems to be improving his batting and is starting to look like a permanent fixture in the team. He's one of the fittest guys in the team and also has the experience to boot.

Am I the only one or is there anyone else who thinks this might be a good idea??

[OutKast]

Love the aggression and refreshing attitude. This guy stands out from his teammates.

[Sadevdesai]

These kinds of One Liners are worthless …. really !!!!! What if SA "ATTACKED" our bowling ????? Hmmmm ...

[KingKhanWC]

His control has improved a lot over recent times. I would give him the new ball over Sohail Khan, alongside Irfan they could take a few wickets in the first 10.

[FreeBird]

""Attack is the best form of defence against South Africa" : Wahab Riaz"

Wow !! What an attack Mr. Misbah displayed. And your attack in the batting even out shined him.

Let's see what you do with the ball

[GreenKnightRises]

#MakeWahabTheCaptainThread

[Amjid Javed]

Always been a massive wahab riaz fan and yes many people have slated him on here but ive always believed that when hes fully focused and hes bowling with good rythme hes a top class bowler and he is taking responsability in this world cup to actually make a difference to pakistan.

[Saj]

These kinds of One Liners are worthless …. really !!!!! What if SA "ATTACKED" our bowling ????? Hmmmm ...

Interesting !

Wahab walked the walk today, didn't just talk the talk.

Bowled very well most of the time.

[s28]

well done WAHAB

AWESOME performance

[Bilsher007]

Interesting !

Wahab walked the walk today, didn't just talk the talk.

Bowled very well most of the time.

Spot on ! Wahab was terrific once again, lethal, aggressive genuine fast bowling by him , irfan and rahat !!! These three are now forming a lethal pace attack, as good as australian and kiwi pace attacks.

Sohail khan was the only weak link but he bowled a sharp angled bouncer to dismiss the most dangerous batsman, south african skipper AB de villiers !

[rizrox]

Always liked Wahab although he gets lot of flak on PP mostly , coz d guy gives his 100% whether bowling or fielding ... He single handedly won Pak the last game against d zimbos wid an allround performance & even today bowled 2 wicket maidens upfront which brought Pak right into the match ... Hope he continues his good form !

[yasir]

I love Pakistan attitude today. This also means they are going to play attacking cricket from there on.... Specially with bowling!!!

Pakistani four seamers can now attack till 20th over, this leaks wickets. Normally Misbah go for over management and defensive field (RR control), looks like now defense is thrown out of the window. Pakistani bowlers play their best cricket when you unleash them!!!

Rahat has allowed Pakistan to attack all the time. Other seamers were doing good anyway. Other main difference is pitching it up, ball is swinging. We have 3 140+ bowlers, its not easy against such attack (not to mention awkward bounce of Irfan, extra pace of Wahab, Rahat swings both ways and Sohail bowls with lot of heart).

Sohail has lot of heart, bowling above his capabilities, he got Kholi and ABD under the pump. He got their wickets by bowling to their weakness at crunch time... Kholi out swing at death and ABD in-between his golf swing, cramping with bounce and angle. It takes a lot of courage to do that!!!

Now Afridi needs to step up

[MenInG]

Let's hope we continue with this strategy

[Pete Rose]

I dont know why this match has become like a fly that needs to be swatter viciously.
But thats exactly what it is: I want Pakistan to dismantle Ireland ruthlessly.

[MenInG]

Ireland done now it's time for Wahab to show his skills against Australia

[Amjid Javed]

Aussies top 6 are all attack batsmen therefore we need to fight fire with fire and keep taking wickets in match to restrict the Aussies when batting!

[Saj]

Wahab has been superb at this World Cup.

He has lead the Pakistan bowling attack with aggression and skill. Really deserved better support from the rest of his team mates.

[Badsha]

Deserves an IPL contract..

[Saj]

Many thanks to Wahab for his time during the World Cup.

Talked about being aggressive and boy did he make sure he was aggressive.

He looked a vastly improved bowler at the World Cup and let's hope that form continues.