Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar shared a picture of the star batsman Mohammad Rizwan from the hospital bed a day after Pakistan lost the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to Australia.
Shoaib, who was known in the cricketing world as one of the fastest and dangerous bowlers, said he had “massive respect” for Rizwan because he played for his country and gave his best despite the fact that he spent two days in the hospital right before the crucial match between Pakistan and Australia.
Shoaib posted Rizwan’s picture on his Facebook page and captioned it as, “Can you imagine this guy played for his country today & gave his best. He was in the hospital last two days. Massive respect Rizwan.”
According to reports, the Pakistani wicketkeeper and opening batsman, Mohammad Rizwan, spent around 36 hours in the ICU of Medeor Hospital in Dubai before he recovered from a chest infection. The very next day, he took part in the T20 World Cup semi-final against Australia and scored the much needed 67 runs, helping Pakistan put a decent total on the scoreboard.
Rizwan’s inning propelled Pakistan to 176, but Australia won the match by five wickets to enter the final when Pakistani bowlers could not contain Australian batsmen Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis.
Pakistan team’s doctor Najeebullah Soomro told the media after the game, “Mohammad Rizwan developed a severe chest infection on November 9 and he was admitted to the hospital. He spent two nights in the ICU recovering. He made an incredible recovery and was deemed fit before the match.”
The news about the severity of Rizwan’s health condition wasn’t shared with the public until batting consultant Matthew Hayden revealed it while speaking to the official broadcaster during the semi-final.
“Mohammad Rizwan was in the hospital a night ago suffering from some sort of lung condition,” Hayden said. “This is a warrior. He’s been brilliant throughout the campaign, and he has great courage.”