Wahab Riaz reveals all-round ambition

NAPIER: Pakistan paceman Wahab Riaz is aiming to become a genuine all-rounder after starring with both bat and ball at the World Cup.

The 29-year-old smashed his maiden one-day half-century besides taking four for 45 in Pakistan´s hard-fought win over Zimbabwe in Brisbane on Sunday, their first victory of this World Cup.

Riaz helped skipper Misbah-ul-Haq (73) to lift Pakistan from a precarious 155 for six during their 47-run stand for the seventh wicket. He then reduced Zimbabwe, along with fellow left-arm paceman Mohammad Irfan (four for 30), to 215 all out, chasing 236, as Pakistan won by 20 runs after Pool B defeats by both India and the West Indies.

"It was my best innings," Riaz told reporters ahead of Pakistan´s fourth pool match against the United Arab Emirates in Napier on Wednesday.

"It was much-needed so I had to give support initially and then hit out at the end. I am happy that I played my part in both batting and bowling."

Riaz said he wanted to become an all-rounder but that this would take time.

"Obviously, I cannot become an all-rounder overnight and with one or two good innings. The team management has worked really hard on me and I am encouraged to bat in the nets, so I am trying to achieve that with resolve and determination," said Riaz.

Riaz´s career has suffered due to injury problems and a lack of consistency since he took an impressive five wickets during Pakistan´s defeat by eventual champions India in the 2011 World Cup semi-final at Mohali.