Wahab Riaz (in pic) had dismissed destructive opener David Warner and Australia captain Michael Clarke. He had a full head of steam when Shane Watson arrived at the crease, knowing another wicket could give Pakistan the momentum to snatch Friday’s quarterfinal. He peppered Watson with fast, short-pitch balls, getting the Australian allrounder ducking and weaving to protect his head and upper body, and followed it up with old-school intimidation of glares, stares, and sharp comments. Riaz finally enticed a hook shot out of Watson and shouted, “Catch it,” as the ball sailed directly to Rahat Ali at deep fine leg.
Rahat should’ve taken it easily, but dropped it cold. Riaz screamed in frustration. Watson, on 4, thanked his lucky stars. A wicket there, and Australia would have been in trouble at 83/4 chasing 213. Instead, Watson added another 60 and hit the winning runs. Glenn Maxwell, who ended up unbeaten on 44 from 29 balls, was also dropped off Riaz’s bowling when he was on 5. Riaz, 2/14 off four overs, finished with 2/54 and 16 wickets in the tournament, including three in the win over South Africa. His average of 23 was considerably better than his career average of 30.2 in 54 ODIs, and a sign he’s maturing as he approaches 30.