Babar Azam's Pakistan cricket team defeated Paul Stirling-led Ireland by 7 wickets in the second T20I of the three-match series at the Clontarf Cricket Club Ground in Dublin, on May 12 (Sunday). Star wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan received Player of the Match for his match-winning knock of 75 not out off 45 balls. After the match, he also addressed star Indian batter Virat Kohli.
Mohammad Rizwan on Virat Kohli
Mohammad Rizwan was asked about him and Virat being the only batters in T20Is with a 50+ average. Rizwan said he has learnt a lot from Kohli and really respects him.
“If you look at the whole match, they played really well. So have to credit them guys. Chasing 194 is not easy as Ireland know the conditions and they gave difficult time early on but we decide to attack and this is why we were successful. You always feel pressure when we lose. I don't look at my numbers, if you look at the average, you are an average player. If you look at the match situation and the conditions then it's better. [on him and Kohli being the only two to average 50+ in T20Is] About Kohli, he is a good player and we learnt a lot from him, I respect him,” said Rizwan in the post-match presentation.
Currently, Virat Kohli is competing in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League and is the highest run-scorer of the IPL 2024. Both Rizwan and Virat will be sharing field in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 clash between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan level series 1-1
After suffering a loss in the first match, the Men in Green bounced back and picked up a big win to level the series. Batting first Ireland posted a massive total of 193/7. However, Pakistan managed to chase it down with 19 balls remaining.
Pakistan did lose some early wickets but a 140-run partnership between Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman turned the tables on the hosts. After Zaman's departure, Azam Khan smashed 30 runs off just 10 balls and took the game completely away from the Irish side.
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