Mohammad Rizwan produced a moment of brilliance with the bat as he played a starring role in Pakistan’s win over New Zealand in the ODI series opener at Karachi.
Rizwan was dropped from the Pakistan Test side after their 3-0 series defeat to England, with his spot in the ODI side under some pressure too. Despite boasting an outstanding T20I record and averaging nearly 40 in Test cricket, Rizwan’s career ODI average stood below 30 going into the series against New Zealand. With Sarfaraz Ahmed – Rizwan’s replacement in the Test team – claiming the Player of the Series award against New Zealand and with the general turbulence surrounding Pakistan cricket, a poor run could easily have left Rizwan outside the ODI team as well.
Instead, Rizwan struck a brisk unbeaten 77 from No. 4 to guide Pakistan to victory in their chase of 256. The highlight of Rizwan’s innings came when he was on 57. Lockie Ferguson fired in a well-directed 90mph bouncer, only for Rizwan to arch backwards and ramp the ball over New Zealand wicketkeeper Tom Latham for four.
After playing the shot, Rizwan ended up on the floor and soon struggled with cramp but he managed to recover to steer his side home.
Watch the masterful shot below:
.@iMRizwanPak somehow manages to guide this to the boundary 😲👏#PAKvNZ | #TayyariKiwiHai pic.twitter.com/r3AbjhzrAM
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 9, 2023
