T20 World Cup 2021: Mohammad Rizwan spent two nights in ICU ahead of semi-final against Australia

Rizwan top scored with 67 for Pakistan in the semi-final.

By Saurabh Malhotra - 11 Nov, 2021

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan showed incredible resilience to top score with 67 for his team in the semi-final, which Australia eventually won by five wickets with an over to spare.

What made Rizwan's knock special was that he was battling a severe chest infection in an ICU for two days before the knockout clash on Thursday (November 11).

READ ALSO: Pakistan cricket fraternity hails Babar Azam and company despite semi-final loss to Australia

"Mohammad Rizwan developed a severe chest infection on November 9th after which he was admitted to the hospital. He spent two nights in the ICU recovering," Pakistan's team doctor Najeeb Somroo said in a press conference.

"He made an incredible recovery and was deemed fit before the match. We can see his great determination and tenacity that shows his spirit of performing for the country. And we can see how he performed today."

He added: "The decision regarding his health was made by the whole team management. This was regarding the morale of the whole team and therefore we kept it within the team."

Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who scored 39, praised his opening partner for being a great team man and appreciated his performance.

"Definitely he's a team man. The way he played today, it was exceptional," said Babar.

"When I saw him, he was a little bit down, but when I asked him about his health he said, no, I will play. And the way he played today he showed that he's a team man. And I am very confident about his attitude and his performance."

Pakistan scored 176/4 batting first, with Rizwan's 67 and Fakhar Zaman making 55*. In reply, Australia chased down the target in 19 overs with David Warner (49), Matthew Wade (41*) and Marcus Stoinis (40*) playing handy knocks to take their team into Sunday's final against New Zealand.

(With AFP inputs)

By Saurabh Malhotra - 11 Nov, 2021

TAGS