Pakistan’s wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan showcased sheer brilliance behind the stumps, snaring a spectacular catch to dismiss Australian batsman Alex Carey on the second day of the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne.
Carey aimed to drive a delivery from Shaheen Afridi through the covers but only managed to edge it behind, where Rizwan, displaying exceptional agility, dove low to his right to clinch the catch.
"A rip-snorter!"
Mohammad Rizwan with a pearler in his right glove! #PlayOfTheDay @Nrmainsurance #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/labVrr76Jw
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2023
It’s noteworthy that Pakistan opted for Mohammad Rizwan over Sarfaraz Ahmed as the wicketkeeper in the second Test, while pacers Mir Hamza and Hasan Ali made their way into the squad after being overlooked in the first Test. This decision was influenced by the injuries sidelining Khurram Shahzad and the exclusion of Faheem Ashraf.
Sarfaraz Ahmed faced criticism due to his underwhelming batting and wicketkeeping performance in the previous Test, prompting fans to clamor for Rizwan’s inclusion.
The debate for Mohammad Rizwan over Sarfaraz Ahmed was boiling up on social media with fans on both sides reasoning how one is better than the other.
Fans call Mohammad Rizwan the best wicketkeeper in Pakistan
Can we say Rizwan was the difference in our good performance.
Just a typical superman's performance from him behind the wkts.#AUSvsPAK pic.twitter.com/NQaYcDuprC
— Naqeeb Ur Rehman (@Qeebi) December 27, 2023
Rizwan has put some people in a really awkward spot, right about now.
— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) December 27, 2023
Offering my deepest condolences to a certain not-pr fc because Rizwan proved once again he’s the best wicket keeper in Pakistan.
— Ariha Fatimah Arain (@arihafatimah) December 27, 2023
Mein to na sehta Saifi bhai foran retirement le leta. pic.twitter.com/u4ZtMq5nQd
— Abdullah (@michaelscottfc) December 27, 2023
Mohammad Rizwan scored an unbeaten 29 at the stumps on Day 2 against Australia, with Pakistan team struggling at 194-6.
Pakistan’s performance in Australia has been lackluster, enduring 15 consecutive Test losses with their last victory dating back to 1995.
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