"Doesn't score runs when it matters" - Danish Kaneria's blunt take on Mohammad Rizwan 

Former Pakistani spinner Danish Kaneria didn't mince his words while slamming the Men in Green's wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. He pointed out how the player struggled against the Indian bowlers during the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.

Kaneria made these comments after being asked who would be his pick between Rizwan and Team India's Rishabh Pant. The cricketer-turned-expert mentioned that he would choose Pant over the Pakistani wicketkeeper.

Explaining his choice, Kaneria emphasized that Rizwan has often failed to deliver in crunch situations.

Highlighting how the 32-year-old failed to take his team home in the run chase against India at the 2024 T20 World Cup, here's what he said on Sports Yaari:

"He (Rizwan) doesn't score runs when it matters, that's the only problem. In the T20 World Cup, when Rizwan was on strike, Rohit Sharma deliberately brought in Jasprit Bumrah into the attack because he knew that he would get him out. It was very obvious.

"How could you sweep the first ball? I mean what is this. You couldn't score runs against Axar Patel, taking singles and doubles and putting pressure on your partner. Then, when you knew that a skipper has brought a fast bowler to get your wicket, you say, 'Here, take my wicket'."

Pakistan needed to chase down a 120-run target against India on a challenging Nassau County International Cricket Stadium wicket. Mohammad Rizwan scored 31 runs off 44 balls at a strike rate of 70.45.

He lost his wicket in the 15th over while trying to play a wild slog off Jasprit Bumrah's bowling. Rizwan failed to get any connection and the ball ended up crashing into the stumps. India ultimately eked out a narrow six-run win over their arch-rivals.

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"He proved there is no better skipper than him" - Basit Ali backs Mohammad Rizwan to be Pakistan's new captain

While Danish Kaneria slammed Mohammad Rizwan's batting exploits against India in the 2024 T20 World Cup, former Pakistani batter Basit Ali reckoned that Rizwan should be Pakistan's new captain.

Basit made these comments on his YouTube channel after the Mohmmad Rizwan-led Makhror beat Stallions by 126 runs in the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup.

He said:

"The way Rizwan led the side, he proved there is no better skipper than him. He has shown it with his captaincy. He read the pitch; it is a big thing. Even Babar can't do that. I am not even talking about Shan. If you don't make him captain at this time, then it is a loss for Pakistan. This is the best time you should make Rizwan the captain."

Mohammad Rizwan has scored 78 runs across two innings in the Champions One-Day Cup 2024. With two wins from as many outings, Makhrors are currently the table-toppers of the tournament.