Mohammad Rizwan plays a shot during Pakistan’s semi-final against Australia in the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan opener Mohammad Rizwan spent two nights in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital here battling a serious chest infection but insisted on playing in the T20 World Cup semi-final against Australia, ultimately leading to the team’s loss. Top scoring for
Pakistan team doctor Najeeb Somru revealed these details at a post-match press conference following the team’s exit from the mega-event.
Just before the semi-final on Thursday, batting consultant Matthew Hayden had simply said that the wicketkeeper-batsman was hospitalised, without mentioning that Rizwan was in the ICU.
Somru said, “Mohammed Rizwan had a severe chest infection on November 9 following which he was admitted to the hospital. He spent two nights in the ICU.
“We can see his great determination and tenacity which shows his spirit to perform for the country. And we can see how he performed today.”
captain Babar Azmi He said that it was Rizwan who wanted to play in the semi-finals.
“When I saw him, he was a little down, but when I asked him about his health he said, ‘No, I’ll play’. Of course he’s a team man. The way he played today, he was extraordinary.
“And the way he played today showed that he is a team man. And I am very confident about his attitude and his performance.”
In-form Rizwan scored 67 off 52 balls in Pakistan’s total of 176 for 4 after being asked to bat by Australia. Australia chased down the target in a sensational fashion with one over remaining.
The team doctor said that Rizwan’s hospitalization and ICU admission were kept secret by the team management.
“The decision about his health in and around him was made by the entire team management. And it was about the morale of the whole team. And that’s why we kept it within the team,” he said.
Before the semi-final match, Hayden had said that Rizwan was hospitalized for a night due to a lung condition.
Hayden had said, “Mohammed Rizwan was suffering from a lung ailment in the hospital the night before. This is a warrior. He has been brilliant through the campaign and has a lot of courage.”
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