Muhammad Rizwan has emerged as one of the most reliable and consistent cricketers in modern Pakistan cricket. From being an underrated wicketkeeper-batsman to becoming a cornerstone of the national side across all formats, Rizwan’s journey reflects discipline, elite fitness, and continuous self-improvement. His calm temperament and ability to deliver under pressure have made him indispensable to Pakistan cricket.
Player Profile
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Full Name: Muhammad Rizwan
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Born: June 1, 1992 (Peshawar, Pakistan)
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Role: Wicketkeeper-Batsman
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Batting Style: Right-handed
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International Debut:
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ODI & T20I: April 2015 vs Bangladesh
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Test: November 2016 vs New Zealand
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Teams: Pakistan, Multan Sultans (PSL Captain), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and others.
Test Career
Muhammad Rizwan has excelled in Test cricket, especially in challenging overseas conditions, often rescuing Pakistan from difficult situations.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 41 |
| Runs | 2,399 |
| Batting Average | 40 |
| Centuries | 3 |
| Half-Centuries | 12 |
| Highest Score | 171* |
Analysis:
Rizwan’s technique and temperament make him ideally suited for Test cricket. His ability to bat long hours, absorb pressure, and contribute with the gloves has firmly established him as Pakistan’s premier Test wicketkeeper-batsman.
ODI Career
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 100 |
| Runs | 2,921 |
| Batting Average | 41.72 |
| Strike Rate | 85.01 |
| Centuries | 4 |
| Half-Centuries | 15 |
| Highest Score | 131* |
Analysis:
Rizwan is particularly effective in run chases and holds one of the best averages in successful ODI chases (minimum 1,000 runs). His improved intent in recent years has added more balance to Pakistan’s middle order.T20I Career
T20 Internationals remain Muhammad Rizwan’s strongest format, where he has redefined consistency at the top of the order for Pakistan.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 106 |
| Runs | 3,414 |
| Batting Average | 47.41 |
| Strike Rate | 125.35 |
| Centuries | 1 |
| Half-Centuries | 30 |
| Highest Score | 104* |
Major T20I Records
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Most T20I runs in a calendar year (1,326 in 2021)
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One of the few players to score 2,000+ runs in a calendar year across all T20 cricket
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Fastest Pakistani to reach 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 T20I runs
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Multiple selections in the ICC T20I Team of the Year
Analysis:
Rizwan’s partnership with Babar Azam produced record-breaking opening stands and gave Pakistan unmatched stability in T20Is. While debates around strike rate continue, his consistency and match awareness have been central to Pakistan’s success in the format.
Wicket-Keeping Stats & Impact
Muhammad Rizwan is widely regarded as one of the fittest and most efficient wicketkeepers in world cricket.
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Total International Dismissals: 300+
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Catches: 250+
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Stumpings: 40+
His sharp reflexes, tireless energy, and leadership behind the stumps have significantly improved Pakistan’s overall fielding standards, especially in Test cricket.
Achievements & Awards
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ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2021)
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Multiple PCB Cricketer of the Year awards
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Led Multan Sultans to PSL title (2021) and multiple finals
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Key contributor in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final run
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One of the few Pakistani cricketers to score centuries in all three international formats.
Impact on Pakistan Cricket
Since 2019, Rizwan has been a stabilizing force for Pakistan cricket. His partnerships at the top of the order transformed Pakistan into one of the most competitive T20 sides in the world. As a senior player and leader, he sets standards of discipline, resilience, and professionalism for younger cricketers.
Conclusion
Muhammad Rizwan is arguably Pakistan’s most valuable modern cricketer.
In an era dominated by power-hitting, his emphasis on consistency, adaptability, and mental strength proves that traditional virtues still win matches. As Pakistan looks ahead, Rizwan remains central to the team’s ambitions across all formats.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. When did Muhammad Rizwan make his international debut?
He made his international debut in April 2015 in ODIs and T20Is, and in November 2016 in Test cricket.
2. What major record did Muhammad Rizwan set in T20 cricket?
He holds the record for most T20I runs in a single calendar year (1,326 runs in 2021).
3. Has Muhammad Rizwan scored centuries in all formats?
Yes, he is one of the few Pakistani players to score centuries in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
4. Why is Muhammad Rizwan important to Pakistan cricket?
He provides stability with the bat, elite wicketkeeping, and leadership under pressure.
5. What is the main criticism of Muhammad Rizwan’s batting?
He is sometimes criticized for slower starts in modern T20 powerplays.