Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi praised Mohammad Rizwan’s stellar performance in the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, referring to the wicketkeeper-batter as an “unstoppable force.” Rizwan’s unbeaten 171 off 239 balls, which included three sixes and 11 boundaries, played a crucial role in Pakistan’s dominant position in the match.
Rizwan’s marathon innings featured a remarkable 240-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Saud Shakeel, who also scored a century. This partnership propelled Pakistan into a commanding lead over the visitors.
Naqvi took to X to express his admiration for Rizwan’s efforts, writing:
“What an unstoppable force Mohammad Rizwan has proven to be in the Test Match today! Congratulations to him for scoring 171 runs with the help of 11 fours and 3 sixers! He has surely proven himself to be an asset for Test cricket in Pakistan.”
He continued, “What a treat to watch! Hoping to see his performance elevate in the coming matches as well. He has surely made Pakistani cricket fans proud!”
Rizwan’s 171 not only marked a personal milestone but also placed him among an elite group of Pakistani wicketkeepers to score 150 or more in Tests, joining the likes of Imtiaz Ahmed, Taslim Arif, Rashid Latif, and Kamran Akmal.
“Celebrating Individual Achievements Uplifts Morale” – Mohsin Naqvi on Saud Shakeel’s Contribution
Naqvi also lauded Rizwan’s batting partner, Saud Shakeel, who contributed 141 runs off 261 deliveries, including nine boundaries. The PCB chief highlighted the importance of recognizing individual accomplishments in boosting team morale.
“Celebrating individual achievements uplifts the morale of our players! Saud Shakeel did a wonderful job by scoring 141 runs and kept the team afloat. Such a performance requires tenacity and grit, and kudos to him for making the country proud!” Naqvi wrote on X.
Shakeel’s innings, which included a vital 98-run stand with half-centurion Saim Ayub, helped Pakistan recover after being reduced to 16/3 on Day 1.
At stumps on Day 2, Bangladesh were 27 without loss, with Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan at the crease, trailing by 421 runs in their first innings. Pakistan had earlier declared their innings at 448/6, thanks to contributions from Rizwan, Shakeel, Saim Ayub (56 off 98), Shaheen Afridi (29* off 24), and Agha Salman (19 off 36). Bangladesh’s bowlers Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud claimed two wickets each, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan picked up one wicket apiece.
