In a warm-up clash against New Zealand, Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman, Mohammad Rizwan, showcased his unique and humorous perspective on his partnership with captain Babar Azam. Their stellar performance with the bat was a highlight of Pakistan’s innings, even though they eventually lost the match to New Zealand.
Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan endured a rocky start, losing early wickets. However, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam combined forces to mount a remarkable 114-run partnership, steadying the ship for Pakistan. Babar Azam scored a fluent 80 before being dismissed by Mitchell Santner, while Mohammad Rizwan went on to achieve a century, ultimately retiring hurt after amassing 104 runs from 94 balls.
Following the innings, Mohammad Rizwan expressed his happiness at reaching a century and thanked the Indian crowd for their support during the game. He also praised Saud Shakeel for his crucial knock.
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However, the most amusing part of his post-match interview came when he discussed his partnership with Babar Azam. Rizwan used a metaphorical approach, stating, “Because me and Babar, chemistry is the same, physics is the same. Sometimes we don’t [even] call each other but run for singles.”
This light-hearted and somewhat cryptic comment provided a glimpse into the camaraderie and understanding shared by Rizwan and Babar while batting together. It’s evident that their partnership is built on an unspoken connection and a shared understanding of the game.
Despite their impressive performances, Pakistan ended up losing the match to New Zealand. The Kiwis chased down the target of 346 runs, with Rachin Ravindra (97), Kane Williamson (54), Daryl Mitchell (59), and Mark Chapman (65*) all contributing significantly to their victory.
While the result didn’t go Pakistan’s way, Mohammad Rizwan’s humorous take on his partnership with Babar Azam added a touch of levity to the post-match discussions. Their on-field chemistry will undoubtedly be an asset for Pakistan as they prepare for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, where they aim to make a strong impression.