Riaz's hostile spell to Australian Shane Watson was one of the highlights of the 2015 World Cup, but the 33-year-old has not played a one-day international since June 2017.
Fellow left-arm quick bowler Amir was also initially omitted from Pakistan's World Cup squad before being pencilled in on Monday.
"I think this team has the right combination," Afridi said in a video posted on the Pakistan Cricket Board's Twitter feed on Thursday.
"The best thing is (that) batting used to be a constant worry for us but our batsmen are now in good form," the former all-rounder said.
Pakistan posted 340-plus scores in three of the four completed matches in this month's ODI series in England, even though the hosts prevailed 4-0.
In March they had been thrashed 5-0 by Australia in the United Arab Emirates.
"We did quite a few experiments with the side. We rested the seniors in the series against Australia, giving chance to youngsters," Afridi said.
"Our bowling struggled before the World Cup I think because they lacked experience there.
"Now Wahab Riaz, (leg-spinner) Shadab Khan and Mohammad Amir are back and it's a well-balanced team. We should not have any excuse now."
Consistency has never been the strong point of an otherwise talented team, but Afridi reckoned a good start could take the 1992 champions all the way to the June 14 final at the Lord's.
"It's very important to win the first couple of matches to build a momentum ... Our youngsters are capable of beating any team in the world."
"I see Pakistan as one of the teams in the semi-finals and, God willing, I'm confident they'll play the final too ...
"Pressure is inevitable in international cricket. It tests a player and his mental strength. But World Cup is also a great opportunity to become a hero with the whole world looking at you."
(Reporting by Amlan Chakraborty in New Delhi; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Share
