PAK vs ENG: Mohammad Rizwan beats Virat Kohli, becomes joint fastest to complete 2000 T20I runs

Pakistan were defeated comprehensively in the T20I series opener against England in Karachi as their middle-order batting woes resurfaced following a turbulent Asia Cup campaign. Although the Men in Green will be dejected after the loss, Mohammad Rizwan's prolific run with the bat would have pleased the team and fans. The wicketkeeper-batter registered a brisk half-century and reached the milestone of 2000 runs in T20Is for Pakistan.

Mohammad Rizwan along with his skipper Babar Azam got the home side off to a great start, putting behind the crisis of the recently concluded Asia Cup. While Babar was dismissed after a scratchy innings, Rizwan continued on his merry way. During his 68-run innings, the fluent stroke maker completed 2000 runs in the format in his 52nd innings, becoming the joint fastest to get the feat alongside Babar.

He eclipsed Virat Kohli (56), KL Rahul (58), and Aaron Finch (62), who were involved in a T20I across the border in Mohali. Rizwan is now the joint quickest to the feat along with his skipper, who had also breached the 2000-run mark in T20Is in 52 innings against Zimbabwe last year. The top run-getter in the Asia Cup earlier this month, was also the leading run-scorer in T20Is last year, with 1326 runs to his name in 29 matches.

Pakistan's middle order woes continued in series opener

Unfortunately for Pakistan, Rizwan's attractive innings went in vain as the Pakistani middle-order batters failed to capitalize on the solid start and their innings eventually fizzled out for a par score of 158/7 in their 20 overs. This was not the first time that the Pakistani batters failed to come to the party as they were much maligned for their performance in the final of the recently concluded Asia Cup tournament. 

While the Pakistani bowlers put in a valiant effort, the total was never going to challenge the visitors, who got home with six wickets in the bag and four deliveries to spare. Alex Hales, who made his return to international cricket after a hiatus of three long years, compiled a half-century to guide his side home.