Mohammad Rizwan becomes first batter to score 2000 T20 runs in a calendar year
Mohammad Rizwan (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is in the form of his life in the T20 format this year. The right-hand batter has tormented every opposition and dominated the best of the bowlers. The 29-year-old was at his fluent best against West Indies in the third and final T20I. He scored 87 runs off just 45 balls and helped Pakistan win the match with seven wickets in hand.
In the process, Rizwan also became the first batter in history to score 2000 runs in the T20 format in a calendar year. It was typical Rizwan innings, where he managed to pace the innings well in a steep run-chase of 208. The wicketkeeper-batter allowed skipper Babar Azam to buy time at the crease.
Rizwan was positive from ball one. He was not afraid to take risks and kept the asking rate in check. The wicket of Azam also didn’t unsettle Rizwan as the wicketkeeper batter continued to find boundaries. He got out for 87 but ensured a victory for the team. He was named Player of the Match and also Player of the series.
Pakistan finished the year with 20 wins in the shortest format. Their only series loss came against England in July. Barring that small blip, they have managed to beat top teams by displaying an aggressive brand of cricket.
Rizwan’s arrival at the top has provided the team with a reliable and attacking option. Pakistan, who are not known to be good chasers, have suddenly started chasing mammoth totals in T20Is. Fair to say, Rizwan has played some part in changing that trend.
