Mohammad Rizwan Breaks Record For Most T20I Runs In A Calendar Year

Pakistan‘s wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has surpassed Paul Stirling’s record to claim the record for scoring the most run in T20 internationals in a single calendar year. With his knock of 46 runs against West Indies on Saturday, the right-handed opener now has amassed 752 runs in 2021 in 15 matches (14 innings), at a staggering average of 94.00 while striking at 140.03.

Mohammad Rizwan has slammed 7 fifties and 1 century this year. Ireland’s Paul Stirling previously held the record when he aggregated 748 runs in 20 innings at an average of 41.55 in 2019.

Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien (729 in 2019) and the Netherlands’ Maxwell O’Dowd (702 in 2019) follow the list. India’s Shikhar Dhawan (689 in 2018) and Virat Kohli (641 in 2016) are next in the tally.

Mohammad Rizwan’s fantastic 2021:

Mohammad Rizwan indeed stands a chance to become the first batsman to notch up 1000 T20I runs in a single year. Pakistan play two more matches against West Indies and host England for a couple of T20Is just before the T20 World Cup, where they will be playing at least 5 games in the Super 12 stage.

Mohammad Rizwan, who recently attained the seventh position on ICC’s T20I batting ranking, could potentially reach the 1000-run mark this year.

The 29-year-old smashed 197 runs, including his best of 104*, in 3 matches against South Africa at home; then followed it up with 147 against the same opposition away. The right-hander plundered 186 runs in Zimbabwe and 176 in England in 3-match series each.

Pakistan, who once ruled the T20I rankings, have struggled away from home against top teams. They will, however, find their placing in Group 2 for the T20 World Cup in the UAE, alongside India, New Zealand, Afghanistan and two qualifier teams, slightly comforting. The form of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam at the top of the order remains key for their success in the tournament.

At the moment, they lead the series against West Indies by 1-0 after registering a 7-run win in Guyana.

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