Mohammad Rizwan’s Slow Knock Costs Pakistan in T20I Loss
Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan Faces Criticism After Slow Knock in T20I Defeat Against South Africa

DURBAN – Pakistan’s white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, found himself at the center of controversy following his performance in the first T20I of the three-match series against South Africa at Kingsmead on Tuesday. Despite Rizwan’s steady batting, Pakistan fell short of the 184-run target, suffering a narrow 11-run loss.
Rizwan’s Slow Knock and Unfortunate Defeat
Mohammad Rizwan, who opened the innings for Pakistan, remained the backbone of his team’s chase but couldn’t carry them to victory. He was dismissed in the final after a laborious inning of 74 runs from 62 balls, achieving a strike rate of 119.35. His knock included eight boundaries, three of which were sixes, but his slow pace throughout the innings sparked frustration among fans and pundits alike.
By the 16th over, Rizwan had accumulated 46 runs off 49 balls, leaving Pakistan with 60 runs to score from the last four overs. While he shifted gears towards the end, targeting South Africa’s young bowler, Kwena Maphaka, hitting two sixes in one over, the late surge was not enough. Rizwan reached his half-century off 50 balls, but the challenge of achieving the required total proved too much. He was dismissed on the second ball of the final over, sealing Pakistan’s fate.
Rizwan’s Strike Rate: One of His Lowest
Rizwan’s strike rate of 119.35 in this inning was one of his lowest in T20Is when scoring more than 50 runs. His most sluggish knock to date remains his 53 not out off 53 balls against Canada in the 2023 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which was marked by an unusually slow tempo.
Rizwan’s 74 from 62 balls is the second-slowest 70-plus score by a men’s T20 International cricket captain. The record for the slowest innings still belongs to New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, who made 70 off 60 balls against Pakistan in 2016. Rizwan’s knock also ranks fourth on the list of slowest T20I innings by a full-member batter who faced 60 or more balls in a chase.
A Frustrating Turn of Events for Pakistan
As Rizwan’s slow innings unfolded, the pressure mounted on the Pakistani batting line-up. Although Rizwan’s efforts were commendable in staying at the crease and holding the innings together, the required acceleration never fully materialized. Pakistan needed a strong finish to their chase, but Rizwan’s inability to score faster in the middle overs meant the team fell just short.
The 11-run loss left Pakistan with little room for error in the remaining matches of the series, and it highlighted the need for a much quicker approach to chasing down targets in T20 cricket.
Comparisons with Other Players: Rizwan’s Struggles and Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Record
Rizwan’s innings on Tuesday have drawn comparisons with similar innings in T20I history, particularly with his fellow countryman, Sarfaraz Ahmed. In a 2014 match against New Zealand, Sarfaraz scored 76 runs off 64 balls in a chase, a knock that was notably slower than usual but still part of a winning effort. Rizwan’s innings, however, were on the losing side, making the comparison less flattering.
Rizwan joins a list of batters who have faced criticism for slow innings in T20I chases, with his 62-ball 74 sitting near the bottom of a list that includes a few other slow knocks by top players. His inability to strike faster in critical moments raises questions about his role as a captain and opener, particularly when the team is chasing a substantial total.
Looking Ahead: Can Rizwan Recover?
Despite the criticism of his slow innings, Mohammad Rizwan remains a key player for Pakistan in T20 cricket. His ability to hold the innings together and provide stability is valuable, but his pace at the crease in high-pressure situations will need to improve. As the series progresses, Rizwan must find a better balance between caution and aggression to lead Pakistan to victory.
Pakistan’s defeat in Durban was a tough blow, but they will have another chance to bounce back in the second match of the series. Rizwan is under pressure to show that he can adapt and lead his side to a series win while also improving his own performance in run-chases.
Conclusion: A Defeat to Learn From
In conclusion, Mohammad Rizwan’s knock in the first T20I against South Africa reminds us of the fine line between stability and stagnation in T20 cricket. While his presence at the crease was significant, his slow tempo ultimately cost Pakistan the match. With the series still alive, Pakistan hopes Rizwan can refine his approach and lead by example in the upcoming games.
Source: ASports
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