The way Mohammad Rizwan is playing, people will remember him for years to come: Shoaib Akhtar

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar feels that wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan will be remembered for years to come for the way he has utilised his limited abilities to perform above the expectations across formats. The 29-year-old recently scored an outstanding unbeaten century (104*) in the fourth innings against Australia in the second Test to rescue Pakistan from the verges of a defeat and secure a draw.

Rizwan has been extremely consistent across formats in the international stages and finished second in the top run-scorers list in the PSL 2022 edition. The right-hander has taken his batting to the next level in the last two to three years especially, and was very impressive throughout the T20 World Cup last year. His ability to keep finding the gaps has been reaping rewards and he is certainly among the best wicketkeeper-batters going around in the world at the moment.

Mohammad Rizwan has been doing wonders for the last few years: Shoaib Akhtar

Akhtar mentioned that Rizwan has been at his very best for Pakistan in the last few years and he recalled Shane Warne’s words about the way the game should be played. He praised Rizwan for the intent he shows on the field despite not having a lot of shots under his belt and said that the latter will remain in the hearts of the fans for a long period.

“Rizwan plays like there is no pressure on him. He has been doing wonders for the last few years and he has emerged as a core member of the side,” Akhtar said on his YouTube Channel.

“Late Shane Warne used to say to me, it is not about how many wickets you have taken, it is the way you played the game, people will remember you for how you played the game. The way Rizwan is playing, people will remember [him] for years to come, he is very limited but it is all about intention. Almighty Allah is bestowing him with all the respect he deserves,” he added.

After two drawn Tests in the three-match Test series, the final Test between Pakistan and Australia starts on the 21st of March.