“We Listed Mohammad Rizwan's Individual Performances, But Did We Win The Asia Cup?”- Sikandar Bakht Questions Pakistan’s Intent With Bat

Former Pakistan pacer Sikandar Bakht slammed the national team’s batters and cited the example of how Mohammad Rizwan’s individual batting record didn’t win the Men in Green the Asia Cup 2022 and such batting will not help Pakistan win the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.

Bakht’s statement came after Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in the opening match of the T20I tri-series being played in New Zealand. Mohammad Rizwan posted an unbeaten 78 from 50 balls to help Pakistan to a 21-run win in Christchurch. Pakistan lost the toss and posted 167-5 after being sent in to bat, with Rizwan sharing a 52-run opening stand with skipper Babar Azam (22).

He then put on 42 for the second wicket with Shan Masood (31 from 22 deliveries) to set up Pakistan’s innings. Taskin Ahmed of Bangladesh picked 2/25.

People Will Criticize Me Saying That Rizwan Broke The Record, But Did We Win?: Sikandar Bakht

Mohammad Rizwan, who is the no.1 ranked batter in the ICC T20I rankings, batted through the 20 overs and hit seven boundaries and two sixes in his 21st T20 international half-century. He was also named the Player of the Match.

Though Rizwan got the Player of the Match award, former Pakistani cricketer Sikandar Bakht slammed him for not showing intent despite playing all 20 overs and criticized the keeper-batter for his poor strike rate.

“He (Shan Masood) showed intent. He tried. He came in the seventh over; at that time, Rizwan was batting on 28. Shan was dismissed in the 12th over and within 5 overs, he took his individual score to 31. Rizwan, at the same time, was batting on 38. Shan’s intent was very good, and everyone should have the same intent,” Bakht said on Geo Super.

“We listed Rizwan’s individual performances, but did we win the Asia Cup? People will criticize me saying that Rizwan broke the record, but did we win? If we win the tri-series, will we be favorites to win the World Cup?” said the former Pakistan star.

Bakht also had a warning for the Pakistan side, saying: “If we bat like this, we can’t compete against big teams.”

Bangladesh in response could manage 146/8 with Liton Das making 35, and Yasir Ali smoking 42* in 21 balls. Mohammad Wasim picked 3/24, while Mohammad Nawaz took 2 wickets. Haris Rauf gave away 20 runs in the last over.

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