'He is a national hero' - Wasim Akram lauds Mohammad Rizwan for playing semi-final clash hours after ICU discharge

Legendary pacer Wasim Akram lauded Mohammad Rizwan as a “national hero” after the latter turned up to play against Australia in the semi-final clash on November 11, hours after being discharged from ICU where he spent nearly two days before the match, getting himself treated for a chest infection.

Rizwan top-scored for the team with a crucial 67-run knock, although his efforts went in vain as Pakistan ended up losing the game eventually courtesy of some sensational hitting by Matthew Wade towards the end.

Meanwhile, Akram heaped praises on Rizwan for his commitment towards the country and showing courage in the face of such adversity. “Mohammad Rizwan is a national hero. He is an ultra-superior human being, both mentally and physically. During our fasting on Ramadan, he fasted and then played Test cricket. That is humanly impossible. You have got to be mentally very-very strong for doing things like that.”

“Rizwan is a person whom you like to have on your team. Always happy, helpful, and hard-working. He was in the ICU but then came and batted for almost 17 overs and then kept wickets for 20 overs. He is a perfect example of a team player.”

“The whole country has realized that there is a bunch of talent in the team, and these guys mean business. Pakistan people also love their Cricket as Indian fans do. Such consistent performances make people happy on both sides of the border,” Akram added.

Pakistan’s batting consultant Matthew Hayden spoke highly of Rizwan too. “Mohammad Rizwan was in the hospital a night ago suffering from some sort of lung condition. This is a warrior. He’s been brilliant throughout the campaign, and he has great courage,” Hayden told broadcasters during the semi-final clash.

As for Rizwan’s form, not just the semi-final clash, but the batter has been in blazing hot form in the shortest format of the game throughout the year for Pakistan, having scored more than 1000 runs in a T20I calendar year to become the first cricketer to achieve the feat. Alongside Babar Azam. Rizwan gave flying starts to Pakistan throughout the tournament, playing a major role in his team’s five-match winning streak before entering the semi-finals.