The Twitter users in Pakistan and across the world have praised the Pakistani team top batter Muhammad Rizwan against Australia in the T20 world Cup Semi-Final despite his illness.
It must be noted that Pakistan may have been knocked out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 after losing the semi-final against Australia by 5 wickets, but their journey to the knockout stage was picture perfect.
The Babar Azam-led side won all five matches in the tournament until Australia defeated them after Marcus Stoinis (40) and Wade (41) put on an unbeaten stand of 81 to pull off the chase with a flurry of sixes to break thousands of Pakistani hearts in the near-packed stadium.
The wicketkeeper-batter scored a 52-ball 67, with the help of four sixes and three boundaries, as Pakistan set a challenging 177-run target for the Aussies. Though his knock was overshadowed by Matthew Wade’s heroics, Rizwan’s dedication was appreciated by all.
Before the semi-final clash, Rizwan was down with the flu and spent two nights admitted to a Dubai hospital, where he was kept in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Reportedly, he had developed a severe chest infection and was given special medical attention. Former pace legend Shoaib Akhtar took to Twitter and shared a photo of the 29-year-old while he was hospitalised.
Calling him a “Hero”, he wrote: “Can you imagine this guy played for his country today [and] gave his best.
“He was in the hospital last two days. Massive respect @iMRizwanPak. Hero.”
Can you imagine this guy played for his country today & gave his best.
He was in the hospital last two days.
Massive respect @iMRizwanPak .
Hero. pic.twitter.com/kdpYukcm5I— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 11, 2021
This is just unbelievable. I hope Rizwan is ok. It’s incredible that he did what he did last night. I know #Pakistan fans must be hurting but I hope they are proud of a team that won so many hearts throughout this tournament. Love watching them play. #T20WorldCup https://t.co/7YsvsrQHJo
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) November 12, 2021
What heroes are made of. #Rizwan pic.twitter.com/RMmEmMzuT8
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) November 11, 2021