Tag: Mohammad Rizwan

HOBART: Captain Mohammad Rizwan has been rested as Pakistan announced their Playing XI for the third T20I against Australia, scheduled to be played here later today.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled the Playing XI, which will be led by vice-captain Salman Ali Agha.

Young wicket-keeper Haseebullah Khan has replaced Mohammad Rizwan, meanwhile, Jahandad Khan came into the side for Naseem Shah.

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The rest of the side is unchanged with Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Khan making the top-order. Haseebullah, Salman and Irfan Khan, who played a blistering knock in the second T20I, will form the middle order.

Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf will lead the pace attack with support from Abbas Afridi and Jahandad, whereas Sufyan Muqeem is the only specialist spinner in the line-up.

For the unversed, Australia are leading the three-match T20I series 2-0. The defeated Pakistan in the shortened first match by 29 runs after setting a target of 94 in seven overs.

In the second T20I, Pakistan bowlers, led by Haris Rauf’s four-wicket haul, restricted Australia to 147 for 9. However, the visitors were dismissed for a mere 134 runs, losing by a narrow margin of 13 runs.

Pakistan Playing XI: Babar Azam, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan, Salman Agha (c), Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan

READ: Champions Trophy: BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla reiterates India’s stance on visiting Pakistan

Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan extended a heartfelt invitation to India men’s cricket team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The upcoming ninth edition of the Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in the February-March window in 2025, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain.

Previously, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), that Team India will not be visiting Pakistan for the tournament citing security concerns.

However, on Sunday, sources confirmed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that the Indian government is not ready to allow their cricket team to travel to Pakistan.

Mohammad Rizwan, during the media talk at The Gabba in Brisbane ahead of the first T20I against Australia, was asked about the ongoing controversy regarding India’s visit to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

The 32-year-older extended an invitation to Indian players while also expressing hope that a decision would be taken on the matter soon.

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“KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav [and other players] are all welcome. All the players who will come, we will welcome them,” said Rizwan.

“[But] this is not our decision; this is PCB’s decision. Hopefully, they will all discuss and take the right call. But we are hopeful that if the Indian players will come, we will welcome them,” he added.

India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.

Last month, in an interview, Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged the hospitality Pakistan players received, during the World Cup 2023, and asserted that the Indian players would be treated similarly.

“Pakistan fans love Indian players; we received love in India as well (during the 2023 World Cup). We also want India to come to Pakistan and play here. I’m unsure if they’re coming for the Champions Trophy, but one thing is certain – if they come, they’ll receive an awesome welcome here,” stated Rizwan.

READ: Rizwan opens up on Amir, Imad’s absence from T20I squad

Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan on Wednesday responded to a question about the opening pair for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, starting tomorrow in Brisbane.

The 32-year-old, during the media talk at The Gabba, was asked about Pakistan’s Playing XI for the series opener as well as the opening pair in the absence of Saim Ayyub and Fakhar Zaman.

Rizwan stated that the best possible line-up will be fielded; however, the combination has been kept as a ‘secret’ for now.

“There’s been a lot of talk about the playing XI, but we’ve kept it a secret for now because there are some things I want to keep to myself. Once the decisions are finalized, we’ll share them,” said Rizwan.

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“As for the opening, we always aim to stick with what’s working best, while also focusing on areas that need improvement. I always try to consult with others and make decisions that are in the best interest of Pakistan, whatever the situation may be,” he added.

For the unversed, during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Rizwan opened the innings for Pakistan with Saim Ayub, however, the latter is not part of the upcoming series, prompting speculations about the opening pair.

Squads for Pakistan-Australia T20I series

Australia: Josh Inglis (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Philippe, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Abbas Afridi, Agha Salman, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Naseem Shah, Omair Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan.

READ: Rizwan opens up on Amir, Imad’s absence from T20I squad

Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan recently discussed the absence of experienced pacer Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim from the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Australia, which starts tomorrow.

Amir and Wasim came out of international retirement earlier this year and made themselves available for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, which was played in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA) in June.

Wasim managed three wickets in three games at an average of 14.66 and scored a meagre 19 runs in two outings. Meanwhile, Amir was Pakistan’s best bowler in the tournament, taking seven wickets in four matches at an impressive average of 10.28.

However, their presence did not help as Pakistan crashed out of the tournament from the group stage, mainly due to their gut-wrenching defeats against the United States of America (USA) and arch-rivals India.

Since the T20 World Cup, Pakistan cricket has undergone many changes, including Mohammad Rizwan replacing Babar Azam as the white-ball captain.

In his first assignment as captain, Rizwan successfully guided his team to a historic victory, breaking a 22-year drought by securing an ODI series win in Australia.

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During a media talk before the first T20I in Brisbane, Rizwan was asked about the changes in the squad since the T20 World Cup, especially the exclusion of key players such as Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Fakhar Zaman.

The wicket-keeper acknowledged the services of the aforementioned players and stated that it would not be easy for the youngsters to fill in their shoes.

“The names you’ve mentioned [Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Fakhar Zaman] are big names. It’s not easy to fill the gap they have left. You can’t replace them overnight; it will take some time,” he said.

“All four have contributed a lot to the team, and it’s hard to say how long it will take to fill their roles in the Pakistan lineup fully. Hopefully, with time, especially in T20s, we’ll find the right balance.”

However, he mentioned that he and his team is currently focusing on the upcoming series and aiming to win that in the first place.

“But right now, our focus is on the current series and how we can field the best XI. We’re working on it and have something in mind for that,” he concluded.

READ: Champions Trophy: Pakistan demands explanation for India’s refusal

Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan has expressed his ambition to achieve a clean sweep against Australia in the upcoming three-match T20I series.

Rizwan took over the captaincy of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket team after Babar Azam stepped down from the position last month.

In his first assignment as captain, he successfully guided his team to a historic victory, breaking a 22-year drought by securing an ODI series win in Australia.

Pakistan lost the first match of the three-match series by two wickets, however, they staged an impressive comeback in the next two matches to win their first series in Australia since 2002.

The team is preparing for the T20I series starting November 14 in Brisbane, followed by matches in Sydney and Hobart on November 16 and 18, respectively.

Rizwan, while addressing his teammates in the dressing room, shared his unwavering belief in their abilities.

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He encouraged the players, emphasizing that they not only have the skill to defeat Australia in the T20I series, but they are capable of achieving a whitewash.

“No one was hoping that the team would beat Australia in Australia. We played like a unit and if we keep doing that, we will whitewash them in T20Is,” Rizwan stated.

The wicket-keeper reminded his players not to settle for a series victory, but to strive for greater achievements like the Champions Trophy and the World Cup.

“It is fine we have celebrated the ODI series win because no one expected us to win in Australia,” he added. “But I think we must all strive to win big titles like the World Cups and Champions Trophy to show everyone what Pakistan cricket is capable of.”

Squads for Pakistan-Australia T20I series

Australia: Josh Inglis (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Philippe, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Abbas Afridi, Agha Salman, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Naseem Shah, Omair Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan.

READ: Afghanistan all-rounder to retire from ODI cricket after Champions Trophy 2025

Former wicket-keeper Rashid Latif has attributed the historic victory of Pakistan in the ODI series against Australia to the leadership of newly-appointed white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan.

Rizwan took over the captaincy of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket team after Babar Azam stepped down from the position last month.

In his first assignment as captain, he successfully guided his team to a historic victory, breaking a 22-year drought by securing an ODI series win in Australia.

Pakistan lost the first match of the three-match series by two wickets, however, they staged an impressive comeback in the next two matches to win their first series in Australia since 2002.

Pakistan’s historic victory prompted reactions from cricketers and analysts from across the globe.

Rashid Latif, during an interview with a local news channel, credited the inspired captaincy of Mohammad Rizwan for the team’s stellar performance.

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“When you have a good captain, the team performs on the ground. We can clearly see this happening in this series,” Latif stated. “In this win, captaincy, player selection, and pitch conditions all played a significant role.”

The former captain also lauded the impressive performances of Pakistan’s players, highlighting how they skillfully adapted to the conditions in Australia.

“The bowlers performed beyond expectations, dismissing Australian players who are familiar with their home pitches,” he added.

“And the batting, which chased down 141 with ease, was equally impressive. This win against Australia in Australia is highly encouraging for Pakistan cricket.”

It’s worth noting that Pakistan and Australia will now face each other in the first T20I of the three-match series on November 14 in Brisbane.

The subsequent matches are scheduled to be played on November 16 and 18 in Sydney and Hobart, respectively.

Squads for Pakistan-Australia T20I series

Australia: Josh Inglis (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Philippe, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

Pakistan: Muhammad Rizwan (c), Abbas Afridi, Agha Salman, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Naseem Shah, Omair Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan.

READ: Wasim Akram reveals his top three Pakistan cricketers of all time

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has lauded the national white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan for his inspirational leadership during the second ODI against Australia.

Rizwan-led Pakistan thumped Australia by nine wickets in the second ODI and levelled the three-match series 1-1.

Pakistan pacers proved Rizwan’s decision to bowl first right as they wreaked havoc and bundled Australia for a meagre 163, with Haris Rauf leading the pack with his five-wicket haul.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan equalled the record for the most catches by a wicket-keeper in an ODI match. He assisted his pacers by executing six dismissals behind the stumps.

On the other hand, Saim Ayub (82) and Abdullah Shafique (64*) batted brilliantly to help Pakistan chase the modest target in 26.3 overs at the loss of one wicket only.

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Following the remarkable victory, Shahid Afridi took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account and credited Rizwan for team’s success.

“When a captain inspires, the team fires. What a phenomenal comeback performance by Pakistan in Adelaide – securing our first-ever nine-wicket win over world champions Australia on their home turf,” Afridi posted.

The former all-rounder also praised Haris, Saim, Abdullah and Shaheen Afridi for their performances.

“This victory is a huge confidence booster for the ODIs ahead. The word ‘marvelous’ barely does justice to today’s stellar display from Rizwan, Haris, Shaheen, Saim, and Abdullah,” he added.

“Lads, keep believing in yourselves and inshallah even more successes are just around the corner.”

READ: India not to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy: reports

Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan equalled the record for most catches in an ODI game during his side’s nine-wicket victory over Australia in Adelaide on Friday.

Pakistan pacers wreaked havoc and bundled Australia for a meagre 163, with Haris Rauf taking his second five-wicket haul in ODI cricket.

In response, Pakistan successfully chased the target in 26.3 overs at the loss of one wicket only and levelled the three-match series 1-1.

Saim Ayub led Pakistan’s chase with a 71-ball knock of 82 runs, which featured five boundaries and six sixes. Meanwhile, Abdullah Shafique scored an unbeaten 64 runs from 69 balls with the help of four boundaries and three sixes.

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During Australian innings, Rizwan etched his name in the history books with his brilliant performances behind the stumps.

In an extraordinary display of skill, he equalled the record for the most catches by a wicket-keeper in an ODI match with six scalps behind the stumps.

With this stellar performance, he became the ninth wicket-keeper ever to reach this milestone, and it was notable as the twelfth occasion in which a wicketkeeper successfully claimed six catches in an ODI match.

Rizwan joined wicket-keepers like Adam Gilchrist, Mark Boucher, Alec Stewart, Matt Prior, Jos Buttler, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Quinton de Kock with his historic achievement.

Most catches by a wicket-keeper in an ODI match

• Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) vs Australia, 2024 — 6 catches
• Quinton de Kock (South Africa) vs Afghanistan, 2023 — 6 catches
• Sarfaraz Ahmed (Pakistan) vs South Africa, 2015 — 6 catches
• Matt Cross (Scotland) vs Canada, 2014 — 6 catches
• Jos Buttler (England) vs South Africa, 2013 — 6 catches
• Matt Prior (England) vs South Africa, 2008 — 6 catches
• Adam Gilchrist (Australia) vs India, 2007 — 6 catches
• Mark Boucher (South Africa) vs Pakistan, 2007 — 6 catches
• Adam Gilchrist (Australia) vs Sri Lanka, 2004 — 6 catches
• Adam Gilchrist (Australia) vs Namibia, 2003 — 6 catches
• Alec Stewart (England) vs Zimbabwe, 2000 — 6 catches
• Adam Gilchrist (Australia) vs South Africa, 2000 — 6 catches

READ: Mohammad Rizwan praises Haris Rauf after victory over Australia

ADELAIDE: Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan praised pace bowler Haris Rauf, who took five wickets, after the impressive victory over Australia in the second ODI here at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.

Haris set up Pakistan’s victory with his second five-wicket haul in ODI cricket to bundle Australia for a meagre 163.

Pakistan successfully chased the target of 164 runs in 26.3 overs at the loss of one wicket only and levelled the three-match series 1-1.

Saim Ayub led Pakistan’s chase with a 71-ball knock of 82 runs, which featured five boundaries and six sixes. Meanwhile, Abdullah Shafique scored an unbeaten 64 runs from 69 balls with the help of four boundaries and three sixes.

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Mohammad Rizwan, during the post-match presentation, expressed jubilation over the convincing victory.

“Obviously, this win gave us the confidence. We want to keep that confidence going forward to Perth [for the third ODI],” he said.

Rizwan lauded his bowlers, especially Haris, for executing their plans and steering the team to success.

“We decided to bowl after winning the toss. Our bowlers bowled according to the plan and found success,” he added. “Everyone is enjoying his bowling, not only fans from Pakistan but also from all around the world.”

Notably, the third and final ODI between Pakistan and Australia will be played in Perth on Sunday.

WATCH: Mohammad Rizwan consults Adam Zampa before review

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan, in a light-hearted moment caught on the stump mic, asked Australian batter Adam Zampa before taking a review during the ongoing second ODI between two teams in Adelaide on Friday.

Leg-spinner Zampa came out to bat after the fall of the eighth wicket in the 29th over with the scoreboard reading 130.

The aforementioned moment occurred during the 34th over when Zampa attempted to hook Naseem Shah’s bouncer, but he missed the ball, which landed in Rizwan’s gloves. Pakistan fielders made a strong appeal but the umpire remained unmoved.

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Rizwan first consulted with the bowler, then asked Zampa if he had edged it.

“You heard something?” Rizwan asked Zampa, to which the leg-spinner replied hilariously, “You guys appeal for everything.”

Rizwan then asked Zampa if he should take the review, to which the Australian responded “Yeah you should, you should take it.”

The Pakistan captain referred the decision, but replays revealed that the ball had passed well above his bat, so the on-field decision stood.

Zampa stuck around for 21 balls, scoring crucial 18 runs to push Australia’s total to 163 before Shaheen Afridi bowled him to bundle the team.

As of this writing, Pakistan have scored 130 runs without a loss in response to Australia”s 163. Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub are unbeaten on 41 and 81 respectively.

Pakistan Playing XI: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain.

Australia Playing XI: Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Pat Cummins (c), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.

READ: Haris Rauf’s five-fer helps Pakistan bundle Australia for 163