World Cup 2019: Five best tactical decisions in the first week

#2 Playing Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz

England v Pakistan: 1st Investec Test - Day Two

Around a month ago, both Mohammed Amir and Wahab Riaz were not part of Pakistan's preliminary squad for the World Cup. On Monday, there were Pakistan's heroes in a stirring upset for the Men in Green against tournament favorites England. On paper, their contributions weren't exactly impressive. Indeed, figures of 2-67 and 3-82 for Amir and Riaz respectively do not scream "tactical genius".

However, the contribution made by the two experienced pacers against England clearly justified the decision by the team management to include them at the expense of younger options like Usman Shinwari and Shaheen Afridi. On a flat pitch, Amir and Riaz made regular breakthroughs which halted the momentum of England's chase. The latter's scalp of Jonny Bairstow in the powerplay was crucial in removing any momentum that England were starting to enjoy.

But it was at the death where Amir and Riaz really validated the trust shown by Micky Arthur and Sarfaraz Ahmed, even if that trust hasn't always been there. Amir's dismissal of the brilliant Jos Buttler changed the game, just as England's wicket-keeper batsman was threatening to take the game away from Pakistan.

Riaz then sealed the win with a stunning double-strike, as he removed Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes. In a match where bowlers got hammered, Amir and Wahab made the difference for the Men in Green. For that, the Pakistani team management deserves serious credit.