Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan ended his Asia Cup 2022 campaign as the leading run-scorer with 281 runs in six matches at an average of 56.20. The opening batter smashed three half-centuries in the competition, including his 55-run innings off 49 balls in the final against Sri Lanka. While Rizwan's run-scoring ability earned him a well-deserved accolade and took him to the number one spot in ICC T20I batters ranking, the right-handed batter's strike rate in the continental tournament became a subject of avid discussion.
During a stiff run chase against Sri Lanka, Rizwan registered a strike rate of 112.24, which ultimately increased the pressure on Pakistan's middle and lower-order batters. In six matches in the Asia Cup, Rizwan batter with a sub-par strike rate of 117.57 and the slowness of his knocks became a talking point after the Men in Green failed to chase down the target in the final.
After Pakistan's loss against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2022 final, team's former captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram revealed that fans attacked him on social media after he criticised Rizwan for playing the role of an anchor and taking too much time to get his innings going.
"At the beginning of the tournament, I had said that the openers won't mess up but struggle in games like these. That's exactly what happened today," Akram told host broadcaster Star Sports after the final.
"I'm very sceptical about 'anchoring' in T20 cricket. It's overrated because you have got 10 wickets and 20 overs. I like India's new template and Sri Lanka also didn't have anybody who played the role of an anchor. It's unfair to pick one guy but he (Rizwan) is a glaring example of Pakistan's approach. You can't have Rizwan batting at strike rate of 104 in the 16th over when you are chasing 171," said Sanjay Manjrekar in response.
Continuing from where he left, Akram said, "He (Rizwan) had done the same thing against Hong Kong if you remember. I criticised him, which was healthy criticism. And people attacked me on social media. Pakistan people said that I don't support Rizwan. If you want my opinion, I will give you the right and straightforward opinion. I am not the guy who will lie about what I see. Black is black and white is white for me."
Babar Azam's were the favourites to win their third Asia Cup crown but underdogs Sri Lanka ended up winning their sixth continental title.
