Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s talented wicketkeeper-batsman, faced a painful moment during the recent Multan Test against England. In a stunning turn of events, Rizwan was dismissed without scoring a single run, falling victim to left-arm spinner Jack Leach after facing 12 balls. This unfortunate incident not only highlighted Rizwan’s struggle on the pitch but also etched his name in the record books for an unwanted milestone.
Rizwan’s Unfortunate Record
With his dismissal, Rizwan became the first wicketkeeper-batsman in Pakistan’s history to be out for a duck after facing such a significant number of balls in a home Test match. This ignominious record draws attention to the pressures faced by players in high-stakes matches, especially on home soil. The previous record for the most balls faced without scoring was held by Wasim Bari, who went for 13 balls against Australia in 1973. Similarly, Kamran Akmal recorded ducks in 13 balls on two occasions while playing overseas, but Rizwan’s feat is remarkable as it marks a first for Pakistan’s wicketkeepers on home turf.
The future white ball captain of Pakistan Mohammed Rizwan on Multan Highway ๐
โ Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda)
Fan Reactions and Social Media Trolls
As news of Rizwan’s dismissal spread, fans took to social media to express their disappointment. Many could hardly comprehend how a player of Rizwan’s caliber could succumb to pressure, especially given the seemingly flat conditions of the Multan pitch. In contrast to Rizwan’s lackluster performance, fast bowler Naseem Shah managed to score 33 runs without facing any significant challenges while batting.
Rizwan’s misstep came as he attempted an ambitious shot, aiming for a boundary over mid-off, only to send the ball directly into Chris Woakes’ hands. This moment not only cost Rizwan his wicket but also drew ire from fans, who felt he could have played more sensibly given the match situation. Other high-profile players, including captain Babar Azam, also struggled during the innings. Babar scored just 30 runs before being dismissed LBW by Woakes. In stark contrast, teammate Saud Shakeel showed resilience, scoring an impressive 82 runs, while captain Shan Masood made a notable 151 runs and opener Abdullah Shafiq added 102 runs to the team’s total.
This match serves as a reminder of the fluctuating fortunes of cricketers and the intense scrutiny they face, especially in pivotal games like the Multan Test against England. Rizwan, known for his excellent skills behind the stumps and as a formidable middle-order batsman, will undoubtedly look to bounce back from this setback as he continues to represent Pakistan in international cricket.
