Tag: Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan: The Relentless Rise of Pakistan’s Mr. Dependable

Mohammad Rizwan is a name that defines resilience, discipline, and match-winning spirit in modern Pakistani cricket. A right-handed wicket-keeper batter, Rizwan is the current captain of Pakistan in limited-overs formats and has led teams to titles in the Pakistan Super League and domestic circuits. From modest beginnings in Peshawar to breaking global T20I records, Rizwan’s career is a story of hard-earned success.

Let’s dive deep into the journey of Mohammad Rizwan — his early life, international milestones, domestic dominance, PSL achievements, and more.

Quick Facts

Early Life and Cricketing Roots

Born in a Pashtun family in Peshawar, Rizwan was one of six siblings. He started with tape-ball cricket before playing for clubs like Islamia College and Shama Club. His consistent performance earned him a place in Peshawar Under-19 in 2007.

These early days shaped his solid technique and temperament. By 2008–09, he was already making waves in Pakistan’s domestic scene.

Domestic Journey and Breakthrough

Rizwan made his first-class debut for Peshawar in 2008–09 and impressed everyone with his calm batting. In the 2014–15 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final, he scored a massive 224 runs for SNGPL.

He captained Punjab, Federal Areas, and later Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in domestic tournaments. In the 2019–20 National T20 Cup, Rizwan was named Player of the Tournament for his all-round performance — 215 runs and six wickets.

He also played for Sussex in England during 2022 and was drafted by Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League for the 2025–26 season.

Pakistan Super League (PSL) Success

Rizwan’s PSL rise started in 2021 with Multan Sultans. As captain, he turned the team around completely.

PSL Batting Stats (As of 2024)

He won the Hanif Mohammad Cap for being the top run scorer in PSL 8. He’s also the only batter with 500+ runs in three PSL seasons.

International Debut and Early Impact

Rizwan made his ODI and T20I debut against Bangladesh in 2015. He impressed with 67 runs in his first ODI. His Test debut came in 2016 vs New Zealand, but he was dismissed for a golden duck.

However, Rizwan bounced back stronger. In 2019, he scored his maiden ODI century — 115 vs Australia.

Career Statistics (As of 2025)

Historic 2021 Season

The year 2021 was career-defining for Rizwan. He scored:

• 1326 runs in T20Is — the highest ever in a calendar year

• 2000+ runs in all T20 matches, the only player to do so

He also won:

• ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year

• PCB’s Most Valuable Cricketer of the Year

• Wisden Cricketer of the Year

His centuries in all three formats further established his versatility.

Partnership with Babar Azam

Rizwan and Babar formed one of the most consistent opening pairs in T20Is.

In April 2021, they added 197 runs together — the highest partnership for Pakistan in T20Is. In September 2022, they recorded a record 203-run stand.

Together, they made Pakistan’s T20 batting lineup far more stable.

Recent International Highlights (2023–2025)

• 2023 World Cup: Scored an unbeaten century (vs Sri Lanka) to chase 345.

• 2024 Test vs Bangladesh: Scored 171* and 51 — top scorer in both innings.

• 2024 T20 World Cup: Mixed performances but played key knocks vs Canada and India.

• 2024 ODI vs Australia: Took six catches in a single match — equaled world record.

Captaincy Role

In October 2024, Rizwan was appointed as the white-ball captain of Pakistan. His leadership, calm presence, and commitment to fitness made him the natural successor.

Records and Achievements

Leadership in Tough Times

Rizwan showed strong leadership during COVID-era tours. In England 2020, he tested positive but came back to play key roles. His calm innings and sharp wicketkeeping made him first-choice ahead of Sarfaraz Ahmed.

He was also stand-in Test captain in 2020 during Babar’s injury.

Personal Life and Character

Rizwan is known for his humility, religious values, and discipline. Off the field, he is seen as calm and focused. He often attributes his success to hard work, faith, and consistency.

Summary Table: Career Timeline

Final Thoughts

Mohammad Rizwan’s story is not about overnight stardom. It is about persistence, sacrifice, and growth. From being benched to becoming captain, from golden ducks to T20I centuries, Rizwan’s career speaks of quiet excellence.

He is more than a cricketer. He’s a symbol of Pakistan’s never-give-up spirit.