Pakistan’s recent triumph over England was quite the hard fought one. Bowling the most number of overs in history in the fourth innings, Pakistan had to dig deep for the end result. But from the commentators to England captain Alastair Cook, tongues were wagging about the miraculous spell from Wahab Riaz.
Stumps on Day 2 had England in the driving seat. By the look of things, England were planning for a massive total with 7 wickets in hand, and a well-settled Joe Root on the crease. But Wahab Riaz had other plans in mind…
A game-changing spell (to say the least) Wahab was ruthless on Day-3. The crucial morning session belonged to Pakistan as wickets tumbled. On a track where beasts of fast-bowling James Anderson and Stuart Broad were finding it difficult to pick wickets, Wahab did the unthinkable. The pace at which he bowled proved once again that Wahab Riaz belongs up there with the best. So much so that even Joe Root, who was comfortable in the middle, nicked one in the cordon.
Wahab’s magic changed the complexion of the game. From what was sure to be a nightmare of a defeat to a mind-boggling lead with a surplus of 136 runs. His efforts earned him the coveted Man of the Match title, with a total of just 5 wickets, but delivered through one of the most brutal and effective spells of Wahab’s career.