Mohammad Rizwan Becomes Fastest Wicketkeeper to Set New Record

On Day 2 of Pakistan’s third and final Test against England at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Mohammad Rizwan reached a significant milestone, becoming the fastest Pakistani wicketkeeper to score 2,000 Test runs. Rizwan achieved this feat in just 57 innings, surpassing Sarfaraz Ahmed’s record of 59 innings. Known for his stellar performances in ODIs and T20Is, Rizwan has worked hard to establish a consistent role in Pakistan’s Test lineup. Before this game, he was only 16 runs short of the milestone, which he crossed smoothly, demonstrating his trademark composure.

Rizwan entered the game after Shan Masood’s dismissal by Shoaib Bashir for 26 runs. He made an immediate impact by smashing a six off Jack Leach over deep mid-wicket. However, his innings was brief as England’s Rehan Ahmed, brought in to strengthen the spin attack, trapped him LBW, ending Rizwan’s knock at 25 runs from 46 balls, with a four and a six.

Since making his Test debut in 2016, Rizwan has played 35 matches, amassing 2,009 runs at an impressive average of 41.85, including three centuries. His highest score, an unbeaten 171, came against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi in August 2024.

Pakistan finished their first innings with a total of 344 runs, bolstered by Saud Shakeel’s outstanding 134 off 223 balls. In response, England initially struggled in their second innings. However, Pakistan’s bowlers quickly dismantled England’s top order, leaving them at 24-3 by the end of Day 2. As a result, this strong start sets the stage for an intense battle as Pakistan aims to close out the series on a high note.