Rizwan's match-winning performance makes him 2025's top-scoring batsman
Pakistan Captain Muhammad Rizwan has earned widespread praise for his match-winning performance against South Africa in the Tri-Nation series on Wednesday. The Pakistani captain has scored 359 runs in 8 innings, with a century and a fifty, averaging over 51.
Rizwan began the year with a solid performance, scoring 46 and 41 in the second Test match against South Africa in Cape Town, which South Africa won by 10 wickets.
One of his standout performances came against the West Indies during the first Test in Rawalpindi. In a match that would go on to become the shortest in Test cricket history, Pakistan was struggling at 46 for 4 after opting to bat first.
At that crucial point, Rizwan and Saud Shakeel formed a resilient partnership of 141 runs, helping Pakistan reach a total of 230. Saud contributed 84 runs, while Rizwan scored 71 off 133 balls, including nine boundaries. Pakistan ultimately won the match by 127 runs.
In the following match, Rizwan played another crucial knock, scoring 49 runs in the first innings of the second Test. However, his efforts weren't enough to prevent a 120-run defeat, which leveled the series at 1-1.
Rizwan's century not only helped his team reach the final but also propelled him to the top of the international run-scorer list for 2025. His prolific form ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy has bolstered Pakistan’s confidence as they aim to defend their title on home soil, starting February 19.