The 3rd and final Test between Australia and Pakistan did not start well for the visitors as they were once again pegged back by the Aussies in the first innings at 96-5. However, the partnership between Agha Salman and Mohammad Rizwan got them out of trouble and got them near the 200 mark which was looking tough at the start. Even though the duo might not be batting anymore, it was still a great innings by both batters during a major crisis in the batting lineup. Their partnership has still given the Pakistan bowlers something to work with when they come out to bowl and try to make things difficult for the Aussie batters as well.
Rizwan has once again shown why he is an impact player in this Pakistan side and he can be as dangerous in Test matches as he is in White ball cricket as well. Rizwan has also got a decent record in Tests as well with over 1500 runs in his career at an average of over 40. He has been the best batter for Pakistan in this series as well and has played his role well with his position at number 6. He has given the perfect depth in the batting lineup as well and has been helping his team in major crises in the two games he has played in this series.
Rizwan’s impact innings
Rizwan might have missed out on a well deserved century, but his innings of 88 from 103 deliveries was still a treat to watch especially at the Sydney Cricket Ground(SCG) which is one of the most popular grounds down under. Rizwan’s innings consists of 10 fours and 2 sixes, which was filled with some powerful shots on both sides of the ground. It was a balanced innings filled with some smoot cover drives and powerful slog sweeps that put the Aussie bowlers on the backfoot and saved the Pakistan innings, when everything was looking bad.
Looking at this innings there is no doubt that Rizwan deserved a standing ovation from the crowd after this knock. It might not be a century, but it still kept his team in the game and this will also give hope to Pakistan to avoid a whitewash in this series. There is no doubt Rizwan has been called one of the best batters for Pakistan in this era and this innings is an example as to why he is regarded so highly. Let's hope that Rizwan can keep giving great innings like this in the future and earn more success in all formats of the game.
Here's how fans have reacted-
He deserves a hundred
— nomadic (@Subodh32080724) January 3, 2024
Rizwan❤💥
— Syeda khadija 🕊️ (@khadijasyeda1) January 3, 2024
Today rizwan was showing there class with playing attacking cricket with positive intent
— Syed Muhammad Ali (@SyedZada53) January 3, 2024
well played 😅
— 𝐀𝐫𝐣𝐮𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐫 (@ArjunPMO) January 3, 2024
Well played. Highest individual score by the visitors so far in the series.
— Nirmal Roy (@nroy11) January 3, 2024
Whenever Pakistan in trouble
— Abhishek Ware (@Mtock_Sarket) January 3, 2024
This man stand
Rizwan is playing the role of Kohli here now. Love 💕💖💕
— Sports Chronicle (@sportschr0nicle) January 3, 2024
Agree?
Rizwan is carrying Pakistan like Kohli always carried India
— Sports Chronicle (@sportschr0nicle) January 3, 2024