So, is the Junaid Khan or Wahab Riaz better question answered now?

[Usman Chadda]

I think a lot of those cynics have got their answer as to who actually contributes to Pakistan more. Yes Junaid has pretty bad figures in the past few ODIs, but how would you feel if you are a replacement cricketer for someone as mediocre as Wahab Riaz? No excuses, Junaid needs to improve on his bowling performance and kick on from here. But he is easily the better bower and fits better in our combination.

For the sake of Pakistan cricket, I hope the selectors give this bowling combination a few years. Not months, years. Even if it gets smashed around a few times. We need continuity. We need bowlers who know their roles in this bowling attack. Who are clear in their methods. This same bowling combination, sans Shadab, was outstanding in the 2nd ODI in Australia. Pakistan will definitely be a completely different beast if this bowling attack, in addition to maybe one or two young bowlers, is given an extended and consistent period of time.

 

[Mamoon]

Both are poor and liabilities in equal measure. Today's performance tells us nothing, because we had our tails up and the intensity in the field was great today. Had Wahab played today, he too would have probably produced his one-off good performance like Junaid.

The bottom line is that neither should be in the team because they are match-losers.

 

[Markhor]

Junaid averages 41 since his comeback. Got whacked in the domestic one day tournaments in January.

Not sure how he's the saviour on the back of one match.

Yes compared to Wahab "8 runs per over" Riaz he is the better option but as Mamoon says, neither are good enough in the long run.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Mamoon, I don't even remember the last good performance from Wahab Riaz. Enlighten me. I do remember atleast two of Junaid's match-winning contributions this year alone. I'm no big fan of Junaid Khan, but comparing someone as mediocre as Wahab Riaz who is so limited in skill, is an insult to yourself and the other fans of Pakistan cricket.

Wahab Riaz gets selected in the first match of every series. Gets bashed till he gives up bowling. Junaid comes in for him and completely rejuvenates the bowling combination. Its happened THREE times this year now. It isn't a co-incidence anymore sorry.

 

[Mamoon]

Mamoon, I don't even remember the last good performance from Wahab Riaz. Enlighten me. I do remember atleast two of Junaid's match-winning contributions this year alone. I'm no big fan of Junaid Khan, but comparing someone as mediocre as Wahab Riaz who is so limited in skill, is an insult to yourself and the other fans of Pakistan cricket.

Wahab Riaz gets selected in the first match of every series. Gets bashed till he gives up bowling. Junaid comes in for him and completely rejuvenates the bowling combination. Its happened THREE times this year now. It isn't a co-incidence anymore sorry.

The success rate of both is roughly the same. Junaid has single-handedly lost his team three matches in the last 10 matches that he has played in the PSL and the Pakistan Cup, and his performances in international cricket have been nothing to speak of since 2014. We can argue all day long over Wahab vs Junaid, but the bottom line is that both are awful options and should not play for Pakistan in any format.

With bowlers like these, we will not go anywhere as a team. There will be times when Junaid will do better than Wahab and Wahab will do better than Junaid, but that doesn't matter when both are not good enough. Junaid will soon get demolished and then we will ask ourselves this question again. The aim should be to find one more Hasan Ali type bowler and say goodbye to both.

 

[saeed5646]

Never lose faith in him always supported him and oh boy he is bowling great today
This just shows he has ability to bowl better than that useless wahab

 

[Farhansk]

I don't care what others say but I know deep inside my heart that Wahab is not even half as good as Junaid, if given consistent run like wahab, junaid can turn out to be a very good bowling partner with Amir.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Which is why I asked you when did Wahab Riaz performed last time. Because honestly I do not remember. In my opinion Wahab is a product of blatant nepotism and he is not even 25% of Junaid Khan. Give Junaid as many chances as Wahab and the golden boy treatment, and watch him become an integral part of Pakistan cricket.

 

[Mamoon]

It is quite telling that in spite of having his best game in years, Junaid just about managed an Economy Rate of less than 6 on a slow wicket. He is as bad as Wahab, and will be thrashed soon like always.

 

[fawad_wellwisher]

It is quite telling that in spite of having his best game in years, Junaid just about managed an Economy Rate of less than 6 on a slow wicket. He is as bad as Wahab, and will be thrashed soon like always.

Yes still the most expensive of the lot. Hassan Ali should have bowled his full quota of 10 overs instead of JK.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

It is quite telling that in spite of having his best game in years, Junaid just about managed an Economy Rate of less than 6 on a slow wicket. He is as bad as Wahab, and will be thrashed soon like always.

You are right he is a very mediocre bowler, I've said the same for a long time now. But if the question is who would I prefer between him and Wahab, then it's definitely going to be Junaid if only because he can bowl with the new ball. Not particularly great with it, but better than Wahab by a mile.

 

[Mamoon]

Yes still the most expensive of the lot. Hassan Ali should have bowled his full quota of 10 overs instead of JK.

What a find Hasan is. The only genuine strike bowler in the team, expecting him to take plenty of 5-fers in his career unlike Amir and Junaid.

 

[Square Drive]

Junaid had similar performances in the Australia series. Not sure how it's so easy for us to label this as his best game in years.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Junaid is better than Wahab who can neither take wickets nor stop runs.

 

[Savak]

Junaid Khan is a lot better than given credit for. He has the same attitude and mindset of Hassan Ali, he is willing to risk getting tonked in order to pick up wickets i.e. he pitches the ball up but that means he will get tonked really badly or he will pick up wickets in the process.

 

[HeavenOrHell]

Junaid is unfortunate that he had an injury at a crucial time of his career but he has been one of our best bowlers in the recent past. His stint at Lancashire made me a certain believer of his abilities. By far, better than Wahab Riaz.

 

[Sports_Psychologist]

And some people wanted Wahab over Junaid?

And some preferred wahab over Junaid!!!
Wahab has been pathetic and people showed their hatred towards Junaid for no reason!!
[MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION] isn't Junaid bowling well??
[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] Wahab eh???

 

[saadsahabjee]

wahab is like shafqat cheema where as junaid is robert de niro.

dont who how wahab was playing for so long in place of junaid.

 

[Mamoon]

Junaid performing well is as bad for Pakistan in the long run as Wahab performing well. This is one of those blue moon performances that will do great damage.

Asking me to pick between the two is is like asking me to choose between dying in a plane crash or getting eaten alive by a shark. Junaid is not a bowler, and the sooner we "chuck" him out the better.

We need to find another Hasan Ali and say goodbye to both, but yes Junaid fans are allowed to rejoice today and serve pies to the "haters".

 

[waleed88]

Amir and Junaid in tandem, this is all the fanboiss dreams coming true today

 

[Macho Mann]

junaid khan second spell has been the game changer great line and seam bowling changed it not swing

 

[big_gamer007]

Junaid performing well is as bad for Pakistan in the long run as Wahab performing well. This is one of those blue moon performances that will do great damage.

Asking me to pick between the two is is like asking me to choose between dying in a plane crash or getting eaten alive by a shark. Junaid is not a bowler, and the sooner we "chuck" him out the better.

We need to find another Hasan Ali and say goodbye to both, but yes Junaid fans are allowed to rejoice today and serve pies to the "haters".

Have watched him two times first in aaney do series and now in CT and both the times he looked an excellent bowler to me.. The seam position is as good as it gets and now he seems to be reversing a bit too..

 

[Mainul]

Definitely Junaid is better.Juniad should be given a consistent run before judgment that whether he merits a permanent place in the team.But on any day i shall pick Junaid over Wahab.But Hassan Ali now easily the best pacer in this Pakistani line up.

 

[Syed1]

Lets all have a round of applause for Wahab Riaz defenders

 

[waleed88]

Junaid's only real ICC event was 2 games in CT 2013, and 1 washed out 20 over game vs India.... sadly haters can't accept he is on the up now

 

[Executioner]

Wahab Riaz is a club level bowler. People go Gaga over his spell to Watson where he didn't even take Watto's wicket and his team lost the match by a mammoth margin of 6 wickets and 13 overs remaining

Junaid is the real deal. Was the highest wicket taking bowler in BPL too.

 

[MRSN]

Junaid performing well is as bad for Pakistan in the long run as Wahab performing well. This is one of those blue moon performances that will do great damage.

Asking me to pick between the two is is like asking me to choose between dying in a plane crash or getting eaten alive by a shark. Junaid is not a bowler, and the sooner we "chuck" him out the better.

We need to find another Hasan Ali and say goodbye to both, but yes Junaid fans are allowed to rejoice today and serve pies to the "haters".

So many free riders playing in the side ots tough to see Pakistan win and they don't play any part in it.

 

[Mamoon]

Like I said, this is time for Junaid's fans to rejoice and celebrate. They deserve it today, but bear in mind that these celebrations are no different to the celebrations of Wahab fans whenever he performs well.

 

[Jatt_bonebreaker]

its a bowling friendly wicket.. Wahab would have been more deadly with his pace

 

[Square Drive]

But Wahabs still fasrer

 

[SARJ_BD]

Anyone speaking anything against Junaid after today's performance (till at least upcoming 2 series) should be banned from TV.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I don't think the fact that he may not be a choker like Amla is not much of a consolation. He has lost Pakistan matches and that's the problem. If we are settling for Junaid as a first-choice bowler than we have a problem.

We have a bigger problem if we are picking Wahab and that is the only thing to consider in a straight choice between the two. Wahab just wouldn't have got the movement that Junaid did to get the batsmen nicking the ball to catchers behind the ball. Wahab is wild pace only, no other trick in his locker.

 

[SARJ_BD]

its a bowling friendly wicket.. Wahab would have been more deadly with his pace

You mean to say Wahab NEVER played in such pitch after 2015 World Cup?

 

[Kianig89]

Junaid is like an economical car who gives superb mileage while Riaz is a fuel guzzler which has a max. high top speed

 

[Farhansk]

Pace is Pace.

#Ppers'logic

 

[aloo paratha]

10x better. There is a lot of blind hate for Junaid especially from one particular bowler, Junaid isn't the best in the world but he is good, and as of now, merits a spot in the team.

Also lol @ people saying he's done, isn't he like 26?

 

[Smooth criminal]

But Junaid has never bowled a spell like wahab's spell to Watson!?!

 

[zayn]

The success rate of both is roughly the same. Junaid has single-handedly lost his team three matches in the last 10 matches that he has played in the PSL and the Pakistan Cup, and his performances in international cricket have been nothing to speak of since 2014. We can argue all day long over Wahab vs Junaid, but the bottom line is that both are awful options and should not play for Pakistan in any format.

With bowlers like these, we will not go anywhere as a team. There will be times when Junaid will do better than Wahab and Wahab will do better than Junaid, but that doesn't matter when both are not good enough. Junaid will soon get demolished and then we will ask ourselves this question again. The aim should be to find one more Hasan Ali type bowler and say goodbye to both.

I agree with you on most things. However I do feel you're harsh on Junaid. Okay he's not as quick as he used to be, and doesn't move the ball around as much, but he seems to have the nack for taking wickets, and that's what we need when we're housing all these defensive bowlers ( amir included). Based on performance, Junaid does deserve a run in the side.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Junaid is far better than Wahab Riaz and he has showed that again today.

 

[Sports_Psychologist]

Like I said, this is time for Junaid's fans to rejoice and celebrate. They deserve it today, but bear in mind that these celebrations are no different to the celebrations of Wahab fans whenever he performs well.

When did he performed last?? Apart from 4 overs in Australia match 2k15

 

[MenInG]

Warm up game. Again against SA, then against SL!

 

[NA]

its a bowling friendly wicket.. Wahab would have been more deadly with his pace

This wasn't a bowling friendly wicket. An unbroken and record eighth wicket partnership (for Champions Trophy) by Pakistan should have dispelled any such notions.

 

[hafizexpress]

One must be glad tho that Junaid is finally performing in an ICC event

 

[Asif321]

wahab wouldnt had done much i guess

 

[ChachaPakistani]

Wahab most definitely would not have performed like that.

 

[Farhansk]

No actually Junaid hasn't got pace and can't be considered good due to his trundling.

Wahab has pace. Junaid can only dream about bowling fast like Wahab.

#logic#scratching-my-head

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

One must be glad tho that Junaid is finally performing in an ICC event

because he isnt the main man imo

Seems to be a naturally shy guy and i dont he can handle the pressue of leading the attack

Junaids entire career is bit of a paradox sometimes gets smashed but bowls amazing death overs, never does well in domestic but quite decent internationally

he was always better than riaz though

I have siad this before and ill say it again, there is very little riaz has to show for his career, valiant defeats are meaningless.

No matter what happens with Junaid we can't forget that he won us a series in SA, the first asian side to do so , as well as winning us a series against india

 

[MilkyWay]

Too many bad balls bowled by junaid but currently he is the best option of the lot. Ruman Raees needs an oppertunity n it will come with time and he has to prove his worth. Abbas/Raees/shinwari shld look to replace junaid in near future soon.

 

[fight_club]

He was the best bowler today. Moved the ball consistently his second spell was a sheer quality. Pakistan fans need to get over their prejudice and smell coffee

 

[Usman Chadda]

Like I said, this is time for Junaid's fans to rejoice and celebrate. They deserve it today, but bear in mind that these celebrations are no different to the celebrations of Wahab fans whenever he performs well.

When did Wahab last perform? This is a genuine question. I do not remember the last time he won us a game. Junaid already has three match-winning performances this year. Four-five if you go by the recent Indian formula of pacers picking two wickets counting as success.

 

[from_da_lost_dim3nsion]

Whab is a really good pace bowling . He is just short on confidence right now and its showing in his performances. Wahab gives you that X-factor in your bowling . Teams are actually scared to face a bowler of Wahab's pace as compared to someone like JK .

 

[supersix]

this is about the time Wahab would come to bowl a 0-100 bowling spell.

 

[Kianig89]

Helping Amir by keeping it tight intact there is no respite when Juni nnAmir are bowling

 

[sshakir411]

Junaid and Amir are here to stay. So glad they have Sarfraz to lead them.

 

[Savak]

Junaid played the Zulfiqar Babar role today

 

[Aviator]

Garbage cleared for good....