Mohammad Rizwan, the talented wicket-keeper batter from Pakistan, is on the brink of accomplishing a significant milestone in T20I cricket. As Pakistan gears up to face New Zealand in a five-match series commencing on April 18 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rizwan stands poised to make history.
The upcoming series presents Rizwan with the opportunity to surpass the records set by two cricketing giants, Virat Kohli of India and his own compatriot, Babar Azam. Both Kohli and Azam achieved the feat of scoring the fastest 3,000 runs in T20I cricket, accomplishing this milestone in 81 innings each.
Currently, Rizwan finds himself on the cusp of this record, having amassed 2,981 runs in 78 innings. With just 19 more runs required in his next two innings, he is primed to break this longstanding record. If successful, Rizwan will not only surpass Kohli and Azam but also become the second Pakistani to reach the 3,000-run mark in T20I cricket, following in the footsteps of Babar Azam.
Rizwan's prowess in T20 cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. Earlier this year, he achieved an unprecedented milestone by accumulating the most runs in T20 cricket since 2021. As the captain of Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League, he has been instrumental in leading his team to success. With an impressive tally of 5,293 runs in 126 innings and a stellar average of 51.36, Rizwan stands as the most prolific batter in the last three seasons. Remarkably, he is the sole player globally to have surpassed the 5,000-run mark in the format since 2021.
In addition to his domestic accolades, Rizwan's performance in international cricket has been outstanding. His record in T20Is speaks volumes, with 2,981 runs to his name, including 26 fifties and one century.
Rizwan's leadership skills have also garnered attention, particularly during his tenure as captain of Multan Sultans, where he led the team to the final of the Pakistan Super League 9. His name has even surfaced in discussions regarding the captaincy of the Pakistan T20I team, showcasing his influence and impact on the cricketing world.