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Azam hails Rizwan after 3rd T20I win: Takes lot of courage to bat, keep wickets while fasting

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 4/16/2021 6:35:27 AM

Johannesburg, Apr 15 Pakistan captain Babar Azam hailed the contribution of his deputy Mohammad Rizwan, who was brilliant with the bat and behind the stumps in the 3rd T20I win against South Africa. Rizwan scored a crucial 73 not out and played the perfect foil in the record opening partnership worth 197 runs with Babar Azam as Pakistan gunned down the target of 204 with 2 overs to spare in Johannesburg. Babar led from the front scoring 122 runs off 59 balls, his maiden hundred in the format,to help his team take an unbeatable 2-1 lead in the 4-match series. The experienced duo set a new record for the highest opening stand in a run chase in T20 cricket. Babar also became the third Pakistanito score a T20I hundred and setthe record for the fastestto triple figures in this format. After the game, Babar was all praise for Rizwan, who was also fasting during the match due to Ramadan which began on April 13. “The partnership with Rizwan was outstanding. I give him credit for the way he played because it is really tough to play while fasting and despite that, he batted and kept wicket throughout. "Ittakes a lot of courage and guts. The whole team takes inspiration watching him and it brings us confidence,” Babar said. Babar, who dethroned Virat Kohli from the top of the ICC ODI rankings for batsmen just hours before the match, also said that he was eagerly waiting to play a match-winning innings like this. “I was waiting for such an innings for a long time. I planned for it, and feltifI got a chance I would grab it.I am thankful that I was able to deliver. "I stuck to my strengths and my game plan was developed around team requirements.If you need 10 an over, you definitely have to play with urgency and for that, you have to take risks,” Babar said.