PAK vs SL: Mohammad Rizwan Reveals He Approached Saeed Anwar To Prepare For Unfamiliar Conditions In ICC World Cup 2023

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged the failures of the top-order batters against the Netherlands in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Rizwan emphasized that the middle and lower-middle order played a crucial role in securing the win.

The Babar Azam-led team opened their World Cup campaign with a convincing 81-run victory at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday, October 6. The Men in Green posted a total of 287 runs before bowling out the opposition for 205 runs.

It’s A Collective Effort – Mohammad Rizwan

Reflecting on the team’s performance against the Netherlands, Mohammad Rizwan mentioned that facing situations where wickets fall quickly can be challenging but important for team growth.

“When a team faces a situation where wickets fall in quick succession, it’s only natural to feel the pressure. However, a strong team is one that can bounce back from any situation, and that’s precisely what we did,” Rizwan said.

“We aim to continue this resilience throughout the tournament. In cricket, it’s a collective effort, and every department plays an equally vital role. This was evident in our match against the Netherlands. While our top order struggled, the middle and lower-middle order stepped up to the occasion.”

The Pakistan team lost three early wickets for 38 after being asked to bat first. However, Rizwan (68) and Saud Shakeel (68) added a crucial 120-run partnership to help the team reach a competitive total on the board.

Pitches May Behave Differently Over Time – Mohammad Rizwan

Reflecting on his first international cricket tour to India, Mohammad Rizwan revealed that he had a conversation with former cricketer Saeed Anwar to prepare for unfamiliar conditions.

“The playing conditions in cricket can be unpredictable, even within the course of a single match. Pitches may behave differently over time, so one must be prepared for all possibilities. Match practice is invaluable and distinct from net sessions,” Rizwan said.

“To prepare for Indian conditions, I had a conversation with Saeed Anwar before arriving here. He emphasized the need to adapt to India’s unique conditions. While Indian pitches are generally good, they can exhibit varying behaviors in a short span. Preparing for India is distinct from preparing for a tour to Australia, for example,” he added.

Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Agha from the Pakistani team have previous experience visiting India. Nawaz was part of the 2016 T20 World Cup, while Salman played in the 2014 Champions League. Babar Azam couldn’t participate in the T20 World Cup due to an injury.

Also read: PAK vs NED: Watch: Bas de Leede Cleans Up Mohammad Rizwan With A Snorter In ICC World Cup 2023