PCB chief reacts to Mohammad Rizwan’s exceptional 171-run knock against Bangladesh

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has showered praise on Mohammad Rizwan following his remarkable innings of 171 not out in the opening Test against Bangladesh at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Naqvi celebrated Rizwan's performance, describing him as an "unstoppable force" in Test cricket. 

“What an unstoppable force Muhammad Rizwan has proven to be in the Test Match today! Congratulations to him for scoring 150 runs with the help of 9 Fours and 3 Sixes! He has surely proven himself to be an asset for Test Cricket in Pakistan," Naqvi said.

“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,” he added.

Rizwan's unbeaten 171 was the highlight of Pakistan’s first innings, which saw the team declare at 448/6. 

Despite narrowly missing out on a double century, the wicketkpeer batter's innings was a crucial contribution, featuring 11 fours and 3 sixes.

He was supported by Saud Shakeel, who scored 141, and the two formed a formidable 240-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Rizwan and Saud both scored their third centuries as they took the Bangladesh bowlers to task on a pitch that still favored the fast bowlers. Rizwan, who previously had his best innings against South Africa, notched his third century at Rawalpindi, with his first being in Karachi against Australia.

At the end of the extended first day’s play, Bangladesh was at 27 without loss in 12 overs.