"Warrior" Rizwan praised for his efforts in semi-final after spending two nights in ICU

Battling lung infection a day before the T20 World Cup semifinal, Pakistan opener Mohammad Rizwan came out of hospital like a "warrior" to score his third fifty of the tournament, albeit in a losing cause against Australia in the second semifinal in Dubai on Thursday (November 11).

Ahead of the match there were concerns about Rizwan's availability for the match as he was down with flu, and Pakistan batting consultant Matthew Hayden later confirmed that the wicketkeeper-batter, in fact, had to be hospitalised for a night due to a "lung condition".

"Rizwan was in hospital a night ago suffering with some sort of lung condition. This is a warrior. He's been brilliant through the campaign and he has great courage," Hayden said.

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

The right-handed opener smoked three fours and four maximums in his 52-ball 67 and played a massive role in helping Pakistan amass 176/4 in their 20 overs. In the process, he also became the first batter to reach 1000 T20I runs in a calendar year. 

Rizwan, who was only released from the hospital on Thursday morning, ended the tournament with 281 runs in six innings at an average of 70.25 and a strike rate of 127.72.

Pakistan's team doctor Najeebullah Soomro said: "Rizwan developed a severe chest infection on 9th of November after which 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. 

"We can see his great determination and tenacity that shows his spirit of performing for the country. And we can see how he performed today."

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam too heaped heavy praise on his opening partner. "He's a team man. The way he played today, it was just exceptional. When I saw him, he was a bit down, but when I asked him about how he was and his health, he said, no, I will play."

Pakistan's unbeaten run in the tournament and in the UAE finally came to an end on Thursday when Australia defeated them by five wickets to enter the final of the tournament. They will take on New Zealand on Sunday.

(With inputs from PTI)