Mohammad Rizwan, born on June 1, 1992, in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, has emerged as one of the most talented wicket-keepers in international cricket. His journey from a domestic List-A and T20 side to becoming the vice-captain of the Pakistan cricket team is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Early Career and Domestic Success
Rizwan started his professional cricketing career playing for the domestic List-A and T20 side Peshawar Panthers in 2008. He quickly made a name for himself with his impressive batting and wicket-keeping skills, which caught the attention of coaches and selectors. In 2011, he moved to Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited and played first-class cricket, showcasing his prowess in both batting and wicket-keeping.
One of his most notable performances in domestic cricket came during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final in 2014-15. Rizwan scored 224 runs in the first innings, helping his team secure a 301-run first-innings lead and eventually winning their second title. This performance not only solidified his position in domestic cricket but also paved the way for his international career.
International Debut and Rise to Prominence
Mohammad Rizwan made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Bangladesh on April 17, 2015, scoring a blistering 67 runs off just 58 deliveries. He also made his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut in the same series. His impressive start to international cricket earned him a central contract from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in 2018, recognizing his potential as a key player for the national team.
Rizwan's breakthrough in Test cricket came on November 25, 2016, against New Zealand. Although he was out for a golden duck in his maiden Test innings, he continued to work on his game and eventually found success. In March 2019, during the second ODI against Australia, Rizwan scored his first century in an ODI match, making 115 runs. This milestone marked a significant turning point in his career, cementing his position as a reliable batsman and wicket-keeper.
In February 2021, during Pakistan's series against South Africa, Rizwan achieved another historic milestone by scoring his first century in Test cricket with an unbeaten 115. He also became the first wicket-keeper batter for Pakistan to score a century in T20I cricket with an unbeaten 104, including six boundaries and seven sixes. This achievement made him only the second wicket-keeper batter after Brendon McCullum to score centuries in all three formats of international cricket.
Pakistan Super League (PSL) Success
Mohammad Rizwan's journey in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been equally impressive. He started his PSL career with Lahore Qalandars in 2016 but struggled to make an impact during his two-year stint. However, his fortunes changed when he joined Karachi Kings from 2018 to 2020. Although he faced challenges in establishing himself as a regular top-order batsman, he continued to work on his game.
Rizwan's breakthrough in the PSL came when he joined Multan Sultans as their captain in 2021. Under his leadership, Sultans achieved remarkable success, winning their first-ever PSL title. Individually, Rizwan flourished, scoring 1596 runs from 2021 to 2023 and winning the Hanif Mohammad Cap for being the highest run scorer in PSL 8. He also became the only batsman to score 500+ runs in three PSL seasons.
In February 2023, while playing against Karachi Kings in PSL 8, Rizwan hit his second T20 century and his first PSL century with an unbeaten 110 off 64 deliveries at the Multan Cricket Stadium. This performance showcased his versatility and adaptability in different formats of the game.
Recent Performances and Achievements
In October 2023, Rizwan scored an unbeaten century against Sri Lanka during the Cricket World Cup, leading Pakistan to successfully chase a mammoth total of 345. This achievement highlighted his ability to perform under pressure and contribute significantly to his team's success.
During Pakistan's tour of Australia in December 2023 and January 2024, Rizwan played crucial roles in several matches. Although he faced some challenges initially, he bounced back strongly, scoring important runs and helping his team stay competitive.
Mohammad Rizwan's journey is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and resilience. From his early days in domestic cricket to his current status as a vice-captain of the Pakistan cricket team, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt and excel in various formats of the game.
As he continues to play a pivotal role in Pakistan's cricket team, fans and critics alike are eagerly watching his progress. With his impressive statistics and historical achievements, Mohammad Rizwan remains one of the most exciting and promising players in international cricket today.
