Mohammad Rizwan becomes first batter to score 2000 T20 runs in a calendar year

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has etched his name in record books as he became the first batter in the history of T20 cricket to score 2000 T20 runs in a calendar year. The 29-year-old achieved this phenomenal feat in the third and final T20I against West Indies. The wicketkeeper-batter was in scintillating form in the match and scored 87 off just 45 balls, leading Pakistan to an easy seven-wicket victory.

He scored 10 fours, three sixes and made q mockery of a 208 run-chase. Rizwan was well-supported by skipper Babar Azam, who scored 79 runs. The duo has formed a formidable pair at the top of the order. In the third T20I, the duo paced the run-chase perfectly and added 158 runs for the first wicket before Azam got out to Odean Smith.

However, Rizwan continued to torment the West Indies bowlers and was not ready to drop his gear. He ticked along nicely and got out only in 17th over. Asif Ali though took over from the him and finished the match with an unbeaten 21, which came off just seven balls. Rizwan was named Player of the Match for his classy 87. He also won the Player of the Series award. In three matches, the right-hand batter scored 203 runs at an average of 67.57.

Pakistan completed a 3-0 series whitewash and pocketed another series win in 2021. This was also the 20th win for the Babar Azam-led team in 2021. At the forefront of the monumental achievement has been Rizwan. In most of the 20 wins, the wicketkeeper-batter has contributed at the top.