Daily Times

Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 67 in Thursday’s T20 World Cup semi-final against Australia despite spending two days in a hospital intensive care unit due to a chest infection, the team doctor said following their five-wicket loss.

Rizwan and veteran Shoaib Malik remained doubtful for the game due to fever.

“Mohammad Rizwan developed a severe chest infection on November 9th after which he was admitted to the hospital. He spent two nights in the ICU recovering,” Pakistan’s team doctor Najeeb Somroo said.

“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.”

He added: “The decision regarding his health was made by the whole team management. This was regarding the morale of the whole team and therefore we kept it within the team.”

Rizwan’s 52-ball knock and his key partnerships including a 72-run second-wicket stand with Fakhar Zaman, who made an unbeaten 55, helped Pakistan to 176-4 after being invited to bat first.

Captain Babar Azam, who made 39 to lead the tournament’s batting chart with 303 runs, praised his opening partner’s “exceptional” attitude.

“Definitely he’s a team man. The way he played today, was exceptional,” said Babar.

“When I saw him, he was a little bit down, but when I asked him about his health he said, no, I will play. And the way he played today showed that he’s a team man. And I am very confident about his attitude and his performance.”

Marcus Stoinis (40) and Matthew Wade (41) put on an unbeaten stand of 81 to power Australia into Sunday’s final against New Zealand with five wickets and one over to spare.