Rizwan breaks T20 record as Pakistan set 158-run target against West Indies

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan made another substantial contribution for Pakistan, surpassing the previous record of the highest runs scored in the Twenty20 International (T20I) format in a calendar year, as the Men in Green managed to score 157 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted overs against West Indies in the second T20I being played in Guyana on Saturday.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Pakistan were off to a breezy start as openers Sharjeel Khan and Mohammad Rizwan stitched together a 46-run partnership.

All-rounder Jason Holder struck the first blow as he removed Sharjeel (20 off 16), caught by fielder Akeal Hosein, as the batsman tried and failed to attack the bowler.

Batsman Babar Azam then joined Rizwan for a 67-run partnership off 58 balls to provide a solid foundation for his side.

Rizwan, during his knock, raced to 749 T20I runs at an average of 107 runs which is the most by any player in the calendar year surpassing Ireland’s Paul Stirling who previously held the record after scoring 748 runs in 20 T20Is in 2019.

The wicketkeeper-batsman however was run-out before getting to his fifty, falling after scoring 46 runs off 36 balls.

Rain interrupted play at a critical time as Babar Azam got to his fifty and the Men in Green were looking to up the ante.

The delay, despite its short nature, proved to be a blessing for West Indies as Pakistan underwent a horrible collapse.

Babar was the first to depart, caught behind by wicketkeeper Nicolas Pooran off the bowling of Jason Holder, after scoring 51 runs off 40 balls as a review showed a spike as the ball passed the batsman’s bat.

Veteran all-rounder’s horrible form continued as he fell to all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, caught by fielder Hayden Walsh, after scoring just six runs off six balls.

The bowlers continued bowling away from batsman Fakhar Zaman and the move paid dividends soon as the explosive batsman was caught by fielder Hayden Walsh off the bowling of Dwayne Bravo after scoring 15 runs off 11 balls.

Jason Holder then removed tailender Hasan Ali (golden duck) and batsman Sohaib Maqsood (five off four), caught by fielders Dwayne Bravo and Walsh respectively, as Pakistan fell deeper into trouble.

All-rounder Shadab Khan (five off four) was run out on the last ball as Pakistan managed 157 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted overs.

Jason Holder was the most successful bowler for his side, picking up four wickets at the expense of 26 runs.