Muhammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s young wicketkeeper-batsman, has been praised for his performance in the country’s semi-final match against Australia on Thursday night after it was revealed that he spent the previous two nights in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to a chest infection. Rizwan scored 67 off 42 balls to help Pakistan post a total of 176 against the Aussies.
Rumours were circulating on social media before the match that Rizwan and teammate Shoaib Malik were showing symptoms of a flu infection and may not be available for the match against Australia. The true extent of their condition was not revealed by the PCB, but the team’s doctor later informed the media that Rizwan was judged fit to play the match after spending two nights in the ICU.
Politicians, former cricketers, and celebrities joined fans on Twitter to appreciate Rizwan for his performance. President Arif Alvi took to Twitter to commend the batsman for his gutsy performance. “That’s the spirit. This is symbolic of the emerging ‘Brand Pakistan’,” he said
Former Indian batsmen VVS Laxman also took to Twitter to compliment Rizwan for the resolve. “A great example of courage, determination, and resilience,” wrote Laxman, while sharing a picture of Rizwan in the hospital.
“Muhammad Rizwan spent two nights in the ICU before the AUSvPAK semi-final, where he scored an impressive 67 off 52 balls” tweeted ESPN.
