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LONDON: Pakistan’s fast bowler Wahab Riaz has surpassed former captain Imran Khan to jump to second place in the list of most wickets taken by a Pakistani bowler in the World Cup.
34-year-old Wahab bowled Mushfiqur Raheem of Bangladesh during Pakistan’s last group stage match in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 at Lord’s on Friday.
Mushfiqur Raheem became Wahab’s 35th World Cup wicket and his 11th in the on-going edition of the tournament, leaving behind former captain Imran Khan in the list.
Imran Khan, who played five editions of the World Cup from 1975 to 1992, took 34 wickets in 28 games with an average of 19.26. However, Imran opted to bowl in only 19 of those 28 ODIs.
Wahab Riaz now has 35 wickets from 20 games at an average of 25.91, having played in three World Cup competitions from 2011 to 2019.
On top of the list, however, remains former Pakistan fast bowler and ‘Swing ka Sultan’ Wasim Akram, who has 55 World Cup wickets to his credit.
Wahab was initially not even in contention to make it to the national World Cup squad this year, but selectors recalled him after the bowlers picked for a bilateral series against England failed to impress much.
Since then, Wahab has received praises from all around for his comeback performance in the World Cup.