T20 WC: Rizwan spent two nights in ICU before semi-final
Mohammad Rizwan emerged as the standout performer for Pakistan in the ICC 2021 T20 World Cup. He was consistent throughout the tournament, having played several match-winning knocks. Although Pakistan lost the semi-final to Australia, his 67-run knock earned praise. Reportedly, Rizwan spent two nights in the ICU before taking part in the penultimate clash. The wicket-keeper-batter was recovering from a chest infection.
Why does it matter?
Rizwan top-scored for Pakistan (67) in the semi-final against Australia. He gave them a solid platform along with Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman. Rizwan stayed in the middle till the 18th over. His knock could have gone in Pakistan's favor, however, Australia snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Rizwan's incredible effort after undergoing a severe treatment in the ICU is praiseworthy.
Rizwan had developed a severe chest infection
Najeebullah Soomro, the team doctor of Pakistan, informed that Rizwan had developed a severe chest infection. The latter was admitted to the hospital on November 9. "He spent two nights in the ICU recovering. He made an incredible recovery and was deemed fit before the match. The decision regarding his health was made by the whole team management," Najeebullah told the media.
Matthew Hayden shared the news with the official broadcaster
The news about Rizwan's health condition was first shared by Pakistan's batting consultant, Matthew Hayden. He confirmed the same while speaking with the official broadcaster during the semi-final. "Mohammad Rizwan was in the hospital a night ago suffering from some sort of lung condition. This is a warrior. He's been brilliant throughout the campaign, and he has great courage," Hayden said.
Rizwan and Shoaib Malik missed Pakistan's training session
Rizwan and Shoaib Malik missed Pakistan's training session ahead of the semi-final. They had developed mild flu and were advised to skip training. Notably, the duo had returned negative tests for COVID-19. Pakistan believed the two players would recover in time.
First batter with 1,000 T20I runs in a calendar year
Rizwan has been in sublime form in white-ball cricket of late. He is presently the second-highest run-scorer in the T20 World Cup, having amassed 281 runs from six matches at 70.25. In the semi-final, Rizwan became the first-ever batter to score 1,000 T20I runs in a calendar year. He owns 1,033 runs from 23 matches at an incredible average of 86.08 this year.
Leading run-scorer in T20Is (2021)
Rizwan is 207 runs clear of second-placed Babar Azam (826) in T20Is this year. The likes of Jos Buttler (589), Aiden Markram (570), and Mitchell Marsh (550) follow Babar on the tally. Rizwan is one of the few batters with a T20I ton in 2021.
