Srinagar: Pakistan wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan has become second cricketer to breach 50 average in T20 International cricketer during his match winning knock vs Ireland in 2nd T20I in Dublin.
Rizwan is now only the second batter in T20Is to have an average of 50+. He joins former Team India captain Virat Kohli. Rizwan averages 50.38 while Kohli has an average of 51.75.
“If you look at the average, you are an average player. If you look at the conditions and what the game demands that will make you better. We have learned a lot of things from Virat Kohli, I respect him,” Rizwan said in a post-match presentation after the win in the second T20I against Ireland.
“They played really well against us. It was not an easy chase because the Ireland bowlers knew their conditions better, they gave us a difficult time early on, but we decided that chasing 194, we have to attack. You’re always in pressure when you lose especially with World Cup around the corner,” he added.
Pakistan struggled initially in the chase, losing Saim Ayub (6) and skipper Babar Azam (0).
But, Rizwan and Fakhar paired up to form a gigantic partnership. Their 140-run partnership is Pakistabn’s highest for the 3rd wicket in T20Is, breaking the record of 105 between Rizwan and Haider Ali.
Rizwan remained not out on 75 off 46 balls with the help of fours sixes and six fours while Fakhar hit 78 off 40, powered six fours and as many sixes.
Wicketkeeper-batter Azam took on the Ireland bowlers, smacking 30* off 10 which included a four and four maximums.