Cricket World Player of the Week - Mohammad Rizwan

Player of the Match in the 1st T20I and the Player of the Series against South Africa, Mohammad Rizwan brought up his maiden T20I century in the series opener. Looks like he has sealed the opening spot for a while.

With Babar Azam getting dismissed for a golden duck on the second ball of the 1st T20I on the South Africa tour of Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan were under pressure to get a good start.

The team had little to win and a lot to lose with them being seen as favourites against an effectively second string South African T20I side. Win, and it would be taken as obvious and along expected lines. But, lose, and the ignominy was there to face.

At the crucial juncture, Rizwan who has now been promoted to open the batting for Pakistan in T20Is after the unsuccessful trial of Haider Ali and Abdullah Shafique at the position, got things going. He started watchfully but accelerated as the match moved forward.

A first T20I century for Mohammad Rizwan leads @TheRealPCB to victory against @OfficialCSA.

??: https://t.co/5c5lnsvv6w #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/I3o7RxX6Mf

— ICC (@ICC) February 12, 2021

The wicketkeeper remained unbeaten on 104 off 64 balls, hitting 6 fours and 7 sixes while batting at a strike rate of 162.50. His maiden T20 century proved to be match-winning with the margin of Pakistan's win being just 3 runs.

Rizwan has now scored 510 runs in T20Is at an average of 31.87 and a strike rate of 120.56.

© Cricket World 2021