The cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan is legendary, filled with passionate fans and intense competition. However, a recent moment of sportsmanship came from Pakistani batter Mohammad Rizwan who praised Virat Kohli in the post-match presentation of the Ireland vs Pakistan second T20I.
Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan emerged as the hero in their thrilling victory against Ireland in the second T20I. Chasing a challenging target of 193, Rizwan’s unbeaten knock of 75 runs off just 46 balls led Pakistan’s comeback win. This victory leveled the three-match series at 1-1 after Ireland’s surprise win in the opening encounter.
Also Read: Sunil Narine Joins Elite T20 Wicket-Taking Club
Pakistan’s chase got off to a shaky start with the early dismissals of openers Saim Ayub and skipper Babar Azam. However, Rizwan, batting with a focus on winning, launched a counter-attack alongside Fakhar Zaman, who played a splendid inning of 78 runs off 40 balls. Their crucial 140-run partnership for the third wicket laid the foundation for Pakistan’s eventual 7-wicket victory. Wicketkeeper Azam Khan also provided a late flourish with a quickfire 30 not out off just 10 balls, ensuring a comfortable win for the visitors.
Learned a lot from him, I respect him' – Mohammad Rizwan credits Virat Kohli after match-winning show against Ireland.
Pakistan opener Mohammad Rizwan unexpectedly named India's star batter Virat Kohli after his team's convincing win over Ireland in the second T20I of the… pic.twitter.com/YQHQInmWaN
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) May 13, 2024
Mohammad Rizwan’s Heartfelt Words About Virat Kohli
During the post-match presentation, Rizwan’s comments about Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli wins the hearts of fans. When asked about being one of only two batsmen alongside Kohli to average above 50 in T20I cricket, Rizwan displayed remarkable sportsmanship. “We have learnt a lot of things from Virat Kohli; I respect him,” he stated, acknowledging Kohli’s influence on his own batting.
Virat Kohli’s T20I Stats
Virat Kohli boasts an impressive T20I average of 51.75, having amassed 4037 runs in 109 innings at a strike rate of 138.15. His consistency and aggressive batting style have earned him immense respect and recognition worldwide.
Mohammad Rizwan T20I Stats
Mohammad Rizwan has carved his own path in T20I cricket. He currently averages 50.38, with 3124 runs in 82 innings at a strike rate of 127.92. His recent match-winning knock showcased his ability to perform under pressure and anchor the innings when needed.
T20 World Cup 2024
With the T20 World Cup scheduled for June in the US and West Indies, both India and Pakistan are placed in the same group. This means they will face each other in a highly anticipated clash on June 9th in New York.
As the cricketing world gears up for the T20 World Cup, this moment of sportsmanship serves as a positive example, reminding fans that the true spirit of the game lies in appreciating exceptional talent and fostering healthy competition.
