In a thrilling Test match held in Rawalpindi on August 25, 2024, Pakistan’s cricket team faced a historic defeat against Bangladesh, marking their first-ever loss to the team in red-ball cricket. Despite the match’s outcome, Mohammad Rizwan’s extraordinary performance stood out, creating a new landmark in Pakistani cricket history.
Rizwan’s Spectacular Performance
Mohammad Rizwan’s batting was nothing short of remarkable in this thrilling contest. In the first innings, he scored his highest Test score ever, an unbeaten 171. His brilliant batting helped Pakistan declare at a substantial 448. Rizwan’s consistency shone again in the second innings, where he achieved a solid fifty. Despite his efforts, the Pakistani team did not find enough support from other players to stave off defeat.
Bangladesh Overpowers Pakistan
Bangladesh, led by Mushfiqur’s powerful century, dominated Pakistan, winning by a remarkable 10 wickets. This match marked Pakistan’s first-ever 10-wicket defeat at home in a Test. Despite the loss, Rizwan’s performance was celebrated as he broke multiple records.
Rizwan Enters History Books
Mohammad Rizwan’s combined score of 222 runs in both innings set a new benchmark for Pakistani wicketkeepers in Test matches. This remarkable achievement broke the long-standing record held by Taslim Arif. Rizwan became only the third Pakistani wicketkeeper to score over 200 runs in a single Test match.
Most Runs by a Wicketkeeper in a Test Match for Pakistan
1. Mohammad Rizwan – 222 (171* & 51) vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, 2024
2. Taslim Arif – 210 (210* & DNB) vs Australia, Faisalabad, 1980
3. Imtiaz Ahmed – 209 (209 & 0) vs New Zealand, Lahore, 1955
4. Rashid Latif – 197 (150 & 47*) vs West Indies, Sharjah, 2002
5. Sarfaraz Ahmed – 196 (78 & 118) vs West Indies, Karachi, 2023
Breaking World Test Championship Records
Rizwan’s unbeaten score of 171 also set a new record for the highest individual score by a wicketkeeper in the World Test Championship. He surpassed Rishabh Pant’s record of 146 runs made against England in 2022. This achievement added yet another feather to his cap, showcasing his exceptional talent in the longest format of the game.
Rizwan’s Consistency
At 32, Rizwan is now recognized for maintaining an average of over 40 across all formats of international cricket. His consistent performance in T20Is and ODIs has extended into Test cricket, proving his versatility and exceptional skills as a cricketer.
In conclusion, even though Pakistan faced a historic defeat against Bangladesh, Mohammad Rizwan’s record-breaking performance has etched his name into the history books, making him a celebrated figure in Pakistani cricket.
