Mohammad Rizwan played a key role in Pakistan’s seven-wicket victory over Ireland in the second game of the three-T20I series at Clontarf Cricket Club Ground, Dublin on Sunday (May 12).

Having lost the opening T20I by five wickets, it was a must-win match for the Babar Azam-led side to stay alive in the series.

Chasing 194 to win, Pakistan found themselves struggling at 13/2 and it seemed that the Men in Green might concede the series with a game to spare. However, Rizwan added 140 runs for the third wicket with Fakhar Zaman to bring the visitors back in the contest.

While Fakhar was dismissed for 78 off 40 balls, Rizwan stayed unbeaten on 75 off 46 balls to take Pakistan over the line in 16.5 overs alongside Azam Khan (30* off 10).

Rizwan was awarded Player-of-the-Match for his effort and when reminded that he’s the only other batter from a Test playing nation to average over 50 in T20Is along with Virat Kohli, the Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter expressed his admiration for the Indian batting giant.

“Virat Kohli is a good player and we learnt a lot from him. I respect him,” Rizwan said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Kohli has amassed 4037 runs from 117 T20Is at an average of 51.75 while Rizwan averages 50.38 after having scored 3124 runs from 95 T20Is.

“I don’t look at my numbers, if you look at the average, you are an average player. If you look at the match situation and the conditions then it’s better,” Rizwan added.

Mohammad Rizwan also praised Ireland for giving Pakistan a tough time early on in the chase.

“If you look at the whole match, they (Ireland) played really well. So have to credit them guys. Chasing 194 is not easy as Ireland know the conditions and they gave difficult time early on but we decide to attack and this is why we were successful,” he remarked.

The series-deciding third and final T20 between Ireland and Pakistan will be played at the same venue on Tuesday (May 14).