ICC World Cup: Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan wins hearts before acid test versus Afghanistan

CHENNAI: Mohammad Rizwan has been in great touch with the bat in the World Cup. On the eve of Pakistan’s do-or-die World Cup clash against Afghanistan in Chennai, the local net bowlers got a glimpse of the good cricket brain that the Pakistan vice-captain has.
On Sunday after an intense practice session, the Pakistan vice-captain had plenty of time for the Indian net bowlers.He patiently posed for pictures with them, signed autographs and when the aspiring bowlers wanted to pick his brains on the game, the flamboyant wicketkeeper-batsman was up for it.

Nineteen-year-old Dharmik Bharadwaj, a right-arm pacer who bowled at Rizwan, said the Pakistani batter motivated the net bowlers with a good pep talk.

“I’m a huge fan of the Pakistan cricket team, it’s my second favourite team after India. I would love to see Pakistan in the final. Rizwan gave us a lot of pointers. He told us to share the pictures that we clicked with him in the future, when we play for our country. He also mentioned that the welcome he received here was great,” said Dharmik, who plays in the TNCA third division.

Rizwan also provided some crucial advice to Dharmik.

“Luckily, I got to bowl at him. The level at which they (Pakistan cricketers) are is great. When we bowl at them, I feel we learn and improve a lot,” said Dharmik.

(AI image)