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Mohammad Rizwan batted like a man on a mission against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad. Rizwan broke a few records on his way to an unbeaten 131-run knock as he led Pakistan to the highest-ever successful run chase in the history of the ODI World Cup with the help of opener Abdullah Shafique’s century. During the innings, Rizwan suffered from cramps. After hitting a six, he almost fell on the pitch which led to laughter in the commentary box.
Former New Zealand cricketer-turned-commentator Simon Doull said, "Get him in the movies. Find the long-range sniper who took him." Former Australian opener who worked as Pakistan's batting coach also joined in as he said, “He is not sure which part of the body he needs to clutch next.” During the conversation, former Pakistan all-rounder Wasim Akram was in the commentary box as well.
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Rizwan hit the six in the 37th over of the innings off Dhanajaya de Silva's bowling. Sri Lanka's stand-in wicketkeeper Sadeera Samarawickrama in Kusal Mendis' absence helped Rizwan with some stretching exercises as he was lying on the ground waiting for the Pakistan physio to arrive.
After Pakistan’s six-wicket victory over Dasun Shanaka’s Sri Lanka, Rizwan admitted that sometimes he was not suffering from cramps during the innings as he sprinted between the wickets.
“Always a proud moment for me whenever you perform for your country. I am speechless at this moment. It was difficult. The thing was that after the bowling innings we went back and everyone was confident. Unluckily, they got Babar Azam early but we got good partnerships after that. It's a good track, was supporting for us. I told Shafique to take it step by step. Sometimes cramps and sometimes I was acting (laughs),” The wicketkeeper-batter said in the post-match presentation.
Rizwan scored 131 runs from 121 balls including eight fours and three sixes. He was adjudged ‘Player of the match’ for his magnificent knock.
Before the record-breaking run chase of 345 in Hyderabad, Pakistan's previous highest run chase in World Cup history was in 1992 edition. Imran Khan-led Pakistan chased down 263 against New Zealand in Auckland.
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