Pakistan’s star wicketkeeper-batter, Mohammad Rizwan, etched his name in history on Friday by surpassing England’s Jos Buttler to become the highest-scoring designated wicketkeeper-batter in World Test Championship (WTC) history.
Rizwan’s remarkable feat came during the first Test against Bangladesh, where he played a stunning unbeaten knock of 171 runs, propelling Pakistan to declare their first innings at a commanding 448/6.
Rizwan’s innings not only eclipsed Buttler’s previous best of 152 runs but also established a new benchmark for the highest score by a number six batter in WTC history.
This milestone adds another feather to Rizwan’s cap, as he continues to build an impressive legacy in international cricket. His performance in this match places him in the esteemed company of Pakistani wicketkeepers who have scored 150 or more runs in a Test match, a rare achievement that underscores his value to the team.
This innings also marked the first time since 2009 that a Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter has reached such a score in a Test match, highlighting the significance of Rizwan’s achievement. His innings was a blend of patience, skill, and resilience, as he expertly navigated the challenges posed by the Bangladeshi bowlers.
On the other side, Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das played crucial roles in keeping their team’s hopes alive. Both batters contributed valuable half-centuries, demonstrating grit and determination.
By the end of Day 3, Bangladesh had reached 316/5, trailing Pakistan by 132 runs, with the match finely poised as the teams head into the final days.
Rizwan’s historic performance not only strengthens Pakistan’s position in the match but also solidifies his standing as one of the premier wicketkeeper-batters in world cricket.
His ability to perform under pressure and deliver when it matters most continues to endear him to fans and critics alike. As the World Test Championship progresses, Rizwan’s contributions will be crucial to Pakistan’s success, and his record-breaking innings against Bangladesh will be remembered as one of the highlights of his career.
