Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman and vice-captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has openly shared his perspective on the management’s decision to separate him from opening with Babar Azam following the fourth Twenty20 International against New Zealand at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval.
In a post-match press conference, Rizwan revealed that the choice to break the opening pair of himself and Babar Azam in T20 Internationals did not yield positive results and had a detrimental impact on the team. Acknowledging the decision’s drawbacks, he mentioned that both he and Babar Azam had expressed their willingness to the management to experiment with different combinations.
Also Read: Legendary Pakistani Batter gives Crucial Advice to Babar Azam
Despite a commendable individual performance in the match, where Rizwan scored 90 runs off 63 balls, including six boundaries and two sixes, the team faced challenges. Pakistan batted first, posting a total of 158 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Rizwan had a productive partnership of 51 runs with Babar Azam, who contributed 19 runs off 11 balls.
In the pursuit of the target, skipper Shaheen Afridi’s three quick wickets initially put New Zealand under pressure. However, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Philips orchestrated a remarkable comeback with unbeaten fifties. Mitchell’s 72-run innings off 44 balls, featuring seven fours and two sixes, coupled with Philips’ 70 runs off 52 balls, including five boundaries and three sixes, powered a decisive partnership of 139 runs. This collaboration secured a seven-wicket victory for New Zealand, giving them a 4-0 lead in the five-match series against Pakistan.
"Has breaking the Babar-Rizwan opening pair hurt Pakistan?"
Mohammad Rizwan responds to a question.#NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/PFysTJLbqS
— Grassroots Cricket (@grassrootscric) January 19, 2024
