‘Statpadding on peak’ – Fans react to Mohammad Rizwan’s knock against New Zealand in 4th T20I

Pakistan’s star wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan played a good knock in the 4th T20I against NZ. Having lost the series already, the 4th T20I is like a good chance for the players to prepare ahead of the T20 WC 2024. Rizwan did exactly that, as he was able to score some crucial runs under his belt, which was very essential given his bad run in the format for a long time.

Batting first, Pakistan found themselves tattering at 86/4 after the 13th over. The run rate was not good, and Pakistan needed to have a good finish. It was exactly provided by Rizwan and Mohammad Nawaz. While the Southpaw scored 21 runs in nine balls, it was the knock of Rizwan that stood out in the match, given how the wicket behaved in the first innings.

It was not an easy wicket to bat on. The ball was gripping. Hence, it was necessary to get settled in the middle and then go behind the bowlers. the template was followed by Rizwan who scored his first fifty in 38 balls. In his last 25 balls, Rizwan accelerated well and scored 43 runs. In his stay in the middle, the star batter hit six fours and two sixes. It helped Pakistan to post 158 runs on the board.

Shaheen Afridi on fire

Defending a score of just 159 runs, Pakistan needed their key bowler to pick early wickets. Shaheen has been able to do exactly that. The left-arm pacer dismissed all of the top three batters cheaply and has ensured that Pakistan remain on the top. There is a stiff challenge ahead of New Zealand, as they need to chase the remaining score with not a lot of batting left.

Shaheen dismissed a dangerous-looking Finn Allen for 8(4). In the last ball of the over, Shaheen dismissed Tim Seifert for a golden duck. The star pacer got rid of Will Young as well, who scored 4(8). In his first spell, Afridi claimed 3/14 in his first two overs. The knock of Rizwan received mixed opinions. While some felt it was good, others felt it to be a selfish knock.

Here’s how the fans reacted to the knock of Mohammad Rizwan –