There is no better player than Mohammad Rizwan to describe Pakistan’s performance and heroics in the T20 World Cup underway in UAE. He has been the lynchpin of Pakistan’s batting group and has batted with supreme confidence and flair to give them a solid start in almost every game.
However, he has earned a heap of praise from his teammates and coach for fighting out a personal and a battle of health to play the big semi-final against Australia. He had developed chest infections two days before the day of the game and was admitted into ICU to facilitate quick recovery.
He did recover in an incredible way and led another brilliant display of the Pakistan batting unit against the Australian pace attack and slammed the pacers to all parts of the ground in Dubai.
"Mohammad Rizwan developed a severe chest infection on 9th of November after which he was admitted to the hospital," Pakistan's team doctor Najeebullah Soomro said.
“We can see his great determination and tenacity that shows his spirit of performing for the country. And we can see how he performed today."
Midway through the innings, he suffered another injury while facing a rapid bouncer from Mitchell Starc. The ball rose sharply and hit the grill of his helmet and left him with a bruise on the face which was quite evident while he was wicketkeeping during Pakistan’s defence of 176 runs.
Pakistan batting consultant Matthew Hayden showered praise on Rizwan for fighting from his illness like a warrior and playing a remarkable innings on the big stage. "This is a warrior, he's been brilliant through the campaign and he's got great courage," Hayden said.
His efforts though went in vain as Australia rode on blistering innings from Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis to storm through the final of the tournament and hand Pakistan their first loss of the tournament.