Mohammad Rizwan break Virat and Babar’s fastest 3,000 runs record

Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan scored the fastest 3,000 T20 International runs in the second T20I against New Zealand at Pindi Cricket Stadium, shocking his teammates and supporters.

Mohammad Rizwan break Virat and Babar’s fastest 3,000 runs record

Rizwan, 31, scored 3,000 runs in his 79th T20I innings, faster than Kohli and Babar (81 innings apiece). He became the second Pakistani to reach 3000-runs in T20I cricket, behind Babar (3,712).

The 31-year-old achieved another milestone, which will improve his confidence before the 2024 T20 World Cup. Rizwan made his T20I debut in 2015 against Bangladesh. Then, he joined the regular squad following the 2019 World Cup. Pakistan’s bowling assault thrashed New Zealand for 90 runs in 18.1 overs in the first innings.

The Pakistani pace attack kept the Black Caps out. In the third over, Shaheen Afridi, noted for his new ball skills, sent Black Caps opener Tim Seifert back to the pavilion for 12 runs.

After Shaheen, Mohammad Amir, playing his first Pakistan match in almost four years, bowled his opening over and removed Tim Robinson for four runs. Dean Foxcroft was bowled by Amir in his second over, with skipper Babar Azam completing a straightforward catch.

New Zealand saved wickets for two overs, but Abrar Ahmed claimed two quick wickets in the ninth over. Mark Chapman and James Neesham sent back to the pavillion after 19 and 1 runs, respectively.

The remaining damage was done by Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah. Pakistan dominated the night with the ball, limiting New Zealand just four double-digit scorers. Afridi chose three, Amir, Abrar, and Shadab two. One was all Naseem got.

Fastest to 3000 runs in T20I cricket