Pakistan opener Mohammad Rizwan fired his side to a daunting total in the T20 World Cup semi-final against Australia, only for it to be later revealed he had spent the previous two nights in hospital. However, he couldn’t propel his side to the final thanks to Matthew Wade’s late blitz in the 19th over.

There were reports of Rizwan suffering from a flu leading up to the big match on Thursday. Further details from within the Pakistan camp revealed Mohammad Rizwan had fallen ill on Tuesday and spent two nights in a Dubai ICU bed.

Mohammad Rizwan in hospital the night before the match against Australia. He had developed a severe chest infection and spent 2 nights in the ICU #T20WorldCup #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/E7qbcxdJmg

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) November 11, 2021

He was only released on the morning of Thursday’s semi-final and was declared fit hours ahead of the match and he put up a brave fight. Pakistan’s team doctor Najeebullah Soomro revealed that Mohammad Rizwan showed exemplary determination to turn up for his country after severe chest pain.

“Mohammad Rizwan developed a severe chest infection on 9th of November after which he was admitted to the hospital,” Pakistan’s team doctor Najeebullah Soomro said.

“He spent two nights in the ICU recovering. He made an incredible recovery and was deemed fit before the match. We can see his great determination and tenacity that shows his spirit of performing for the country. And we can see how he performed today,” he added. 

Mohammad Rizwan smacked four powerful sixes in his innings of 67 to power Pakistan to 4-176 before Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis fought back to get Australia home with an over to spare.

He is a warrior – Babar Azam on Mohammad Rizwan

Pakistan captain Babar Azam also showered praise on Mohammad Rizwan, who has been at the heart of this line-up.

“Definitely he’s a team man,” Babar said. “The way he played today it was exceptional. When I saw him he was a little bit down. But when I asked him about his health he said, ‘no, I will play’,” he concluded. 

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