Mohammad Rizwan, a talented cricketer hailing from Peshawar, Pakistan, has had a unique journey in his international career. Despite facing obstacles and limited opportunities, Rizwan’s determination and skill have propelled him to become one of Pakistan’s most esteemed cricket players.
Rizwan made his international debut shortly after the 2015 World Cup, during a period when Pakistan was still searching for a reliable wicketkeeper. Although he showcased his technical prowess and solid keeping skills in the initial matches against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, his limitations became evident when faced with tougher opposition. This led to a decline in performance and subsequent loss of his spot to Sarfaraz Ahmed, who had established himself as Pakistan’s premier wicketkeeper.
Throughout this challenging phase, Rizwan continued to excel in domestic cricket, further cementing his reputation as a prolific run-accumulator. With an impressive batting average of nearly 50 in List A cricket and 41 in first-class matches, he consistently contributed to his team’s success. Rizwan represented the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) side and played a pivotal role in their three title victories in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
Rizwan’s breakthrough moment arrived in January 2019 when Sarfaraz faced a ban during the tour to South Africa. Seizing the opportunity, Rizwan impressively showcased his skills and resilience, reminding the cricketing world of his capabilities. This led to his inclusion in the team for the subsequent Test series in Australia, where he marked his return with an impressive 95. However, it was during Pakistan’s tour of England that Rizwan truly solidified his position as the country’s first-choice wicketkeeper. He notched up crucial half-centuries and displayed exceptional wicketkeeping abilities, earning him widespread acclaim.
In recognition of his outstanding performances, Rizwan was appointed as the vice-captain of the Test side and earned a spot in the white-ball team. Although there were doubts about his suitability for T20 cricket, Rizwan defied expectations in 2021. He had a record-breaking year, amassing the highest number of T20I runs in a single year by any player. His unbeaten 104 against South Africa set the tone for a series of stellar performances as he registered seven half-centuries throughout the year. Additionally, he emerged as the second-highest run-scorer in the 2021 Pakistan Super League and led the Multan Sultans to the championship title.
Rizwan’s consistent and stable performance at the top of the batting order has transformed Pakistan’s weakness into a strength. His remarkable achievements have made him one of Pakistan’s most prized assets heading into the 2021 World T20. With his prime years still ahead of him, Rizwan’s resilience, skill, and leadership qualities make him a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.
In summary, Mohammad Rizwan’s journey in the world of cricket has been characterized by perseverance and exceptional talent. Despite facing challenges and limited opportunities, he has risen above adversity to establish himself as one of Pakistan’s top cricketers. With his exemplary batting and wicketkeeping skills, Rizwan continues to make significant contributions to the sport, leaving an indelible mark on Pakistan cricket’s rich history.