Mohammad Rizwan underlined why he will likely be a key weapon for Pakistan on the Twenty20 World Cup, top-scoring in a 21-run win over Bangladesh in Christchurch on Friday.
Rizwan maintained his wealthy vein of type with an unbeaten 78 as Pakistan posted 167-5, earlier than proscribing their opponents to 146-8.
It was the opening match of a week-long event, which additionally contains hosts New Zealand. All three groups are utilizing it to arrange for the T20 World Cup in Australia.
The world’s top-ranked T20 batsman, Rizwan batted by means of the innings in chilly situations at Hagley Oval, tallying seven fours and two sixes in a chanceless 50-ball knock.
It was the 30-year-old’s 21st half-century within the format, persevering with his type from final month’s T20 sequence towards England, when he compiled a series-leading 316 runs.
His common within the format of 54.34 stands alone among the many prime 150 run-scorers. The subsequent greatest is India’s Virat Kohli (50.84).
Rizwan’s greatest help on a tough, two-paced wicket got here from Shan Masood (31 off 22 balls), following a gap stand of 52 with captain Babar Azam (22 off 25) whereas Taskin Ahmed (2-25) was Bangladesh’s greatest bowler.
Rizwan stated being affected person after being despatched in laid the muse for a profitable rating.
“Early on the ball was a little bit grippy but me and the skipper decided to keep things simple,” he stated.
“We did very nicely however I assumed we have been 10 to 15 runs quick on this type of pitch.
“After that, the bowlers bowled very well to the plan.”
Bangladesh’s chase tailed off after Liton Das (35) and Afif Hossain (25) placed on a slick 50 for the third wicket from 34 balls.
Some late hitting from Yasir Ali (42 not out) restored respectability whereas speedster Mohammad Wasim (3-24) loved late success with the yorker.
Gamers from each groups often slipped on a floor made exhausting by surprising climate situations earlier within the week.
A chilly blast left floor workers sweeping snow from the covers and outfield on Thursday morning.
Temperatures hovered round a comparatively heat 12 levels Celsius (54F) all through the match, the earliest ever staged in a New Zealand residence season.
New Zealand will play Pakistan on Saturday and Bangladesh on Sunday, each on the identical venue.
