Mohammad Rizwan pulled out some innovative strokeplay during Pakistan's first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.
A wet outfield meant that the start of play on day one of the match (August 21) was delayed. When it did get underway, Bangladesh made early inroads to reduce Pakistan to 16-3 in the ninth over. Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel then hauled their side out of trouble with a 102-run fourth wicket stand, and Shakeel was batting at the end of the day with wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.
Resuming at 158-4 on day two, the match was finely poised but Pakistan's batters began to settle in and take the upper hand. Rizwan was batting on 24 overnight, and soon started dominating the partnership.
In the 53rd over of the innings, Rizwan took on rookie pacer Nahid Rana, playing in just his second Test match. The third ball of the over was short and angled in, but Rizwan managed to angle his bat towards deep third, using the pace of the bowler to ramp it for a boundary and reach his half-century.
The next delivery was a carbon copy, but Rizwan was better prepared this time. He played the exact same shot, with more control and fetched himself another four, although this one very nearly went all the way for six.
Watch Mohammad Rizwan hit consecutive ramp shots for four
Innovative and reaps the rewards 👌@iMRizwanPak going from strength to strength 🏏#PAKvBAN | #TestOnHai pic.twitter.com/Jp5694rrQ1
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 22, 2024
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