In a bittersweet moment for Pakistan's cricket fans, the nation's reliable wicketkeeper and top-order batsman, Mohammad Rizwan, etched his name into the record books during the second T20I match against New Zealand.
Despite Rizwan's remarkable achievement, Pakistan faced defeat in the encounter at Hamilton's Seddon Park.
The 31-year-old cricketer now holds the title of Pakistan's leading six-hitter in T20 international cricket, surpassing former skipper Mohammad Hafeez, who currently serves as the team's director.
Rizwan's tally of 77 sixes in the shortest format of the game places him at the top of the list, eclipsing Hafeez's previous record of 76.
🚨 RECORD ALERT @iMRizwanPak is now the leading six-hitter for 🇵🇰 in T20Is 💪#NZvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/9e71hOuqTj
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 14, 2024
The list of most sixes for Pakistan in T20I cricket now stands as follows:
- Mohammad Rizwan — 77
- Mohammad Hafeez — 76
- Shahid Afridi — 73
- Shoaib Malik — 69
- Babar Azam — 55
- Umar Akmal — 55
Despite Rizwan's individual milestone, Pakistan suffered defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the second T20I of the five-match series. Rizwan started Pakistan's chase of 195 runs impressively, hitting a six off Tim Southee, but was removed by Adam Milne in the second over after contributing just seven runs.
Star batter Babar Azam once again demonstrated his prowess, top-scoring for the Men in Green with 66 runs off 43 balls, including nine boundaries. However, Azam's efforts were in vain as Pakistan struggled in the pursuit of the 195-run target, falling short by 21 runs.
New Zealand's Finn Allen played a pivotal role in the first innings, powering the home side to a total of 194 runs with a rapid innings of 74 runs off 41 balls, featuring seven fours and five sixes. Despite Allen's impressive start, Pakistani bowlers, led by Haris Rauf, made a remarkable comeback in the match, restricting the Kiwis to 194 runs.
