Shahid Afridi backs Mohammad Rizwan, slams strike-rate critics

Shahid Afridi (PC: Twitter)

Mohammad Rizwan, as of now, is ranked number one in the ICC rankings for T20I batters. The cricketer scaled the batting threshold earlier this year, owing to his prolific run with the bat in the past couple of seasons.

Despite holding an appetite for big scores, the cricketer’s strike-rate has become a subject of some intense debates among several followers and experts of the game. The topic was further intensified when Pakistan lost the 2022 Asia Cup final to Sri Lanka, where the batter took 49 balls to score 55 in a run-chase of 170.

Even in Pakistan’s most recent outing against New Zealand in Christchurch, the wicketkeeper-batsman faced 12 deliveries before getting trapped in front by Tim Southee for just four.

Shahid Afridi hits back at Mohammad Rizwan’s critics

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has come out in support of Rizwan, and even slammed his critics for their complaints. Afridi believes that there is no reason for the opener to change his batting tactics.

He also advised Rizwan to ignore the critics and follow his natural game instead. While speaking with Sama TV, the legendary all-rounder said:

“Rizwan doesn't need to change his plan. There's no need for him to listen to anyone.”

A T20 veteran himself, Afridi further praised the cricketer for his consistency at the top of the order. He said that Rizwan, alongside skipper Babar Azam have been providing good starts to Pakistan in the opening overs.

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