Mohammad Rizwan, born on June 1, 1992, in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, has emerged as one of the most technically sound wicket-keepers in international cricket. His journey from a domestic player to an international sensation is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
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 went on to play first-class cricket for Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited in 2011. His impressive performances in domestic cricket earned him recognition and paved the way for his international debut.
In the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final of 2014-15, Rizwan scored 224 runs in the first innings, helping his side secure a 301-run first-innings lead and eventually winning their second title. This performance showcased his batting prowess and set him up for future success.
International Debut and Initial Struggles
Mohammad Rizwan made his international debut in an ODI against Bangladesh on April 17, 2015, scoring a blistering 67 runs off 58 balls. He also made his T20I debut on April 24, 2015, in the same series. However, his early international career was marked by struggles against top-tier teams.
After a bumpy start, Rizwan faced a lengthy lean patch and eventually lost his place to Sarfaraz Ahmed for the World T20 in 2016. This period saw him come close to being dropped from the national team, but he managed to regain his spot after Sarfaraz was banned for five games during the tour to South Africa in January 2019.
Breakthrough and Consistency
Rizwan's breakthrough came during Pakistan's tour to England in 2018. He scored two half-centuries in Southampton and demonstrated exceptional wicket-keeping skills, cementing his place as Pakistan's first-choice wicket-keeper. This performance led to him being appointed vice-captain of the Test side and fast-tracked into the white-ball team.
In March 2019, Rizwan scored his first century in an ODI match against Australia, making 115 runs. He continued to impress in Test cricket, scoring 161 runs with two half-centuries during Pakistan's series against England. This series solidified his position as the first-choice wicket-keeper in Test matches, surpassing former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.
In December 2020, Rizwan was named captain of Pakistan's Test side for the first match against New Zealand, replacing Babar Azam due to an injury. He led the team to a series victory and further cemented his status as a key player in Pakistan's cricket team.
In February 2021, during Pakistan's series against South Africa, Rizwan scored his first century in Test cricket with an unbeaten 115. He also became the first wicket-keeper batsman for Pakistan to score a century in T20I cricket with an unbeaten 104, including six boundaries and seven sixes. This achievement made him one of the few players to have scored centuries in all three formats of international cricket.
Recent Achievements and Leadership
Rizwan's leadership skills were showcased during the 2021 Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he led Multan Sultans to their first-ever PSL title. He was also named the Wicketkeeper of the Tournament. His stability and consistency at the top of the order have converted what was once a weakness for Pakistan into a strength.
Currently, Rizwan is the vice-captain of Pakistan's Test team and continues to be a vital part of the national squad. His journey from a domestic player to an international sensation is an inspiration to many young cricketers around the world.
As Rizwan continues to excel in his career, fans and critics alike are eagerly watching his progress. His dedication, hard work, and natural talent have made him one of the most respected wicket-keepers in international cricket.
