Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan delivered a masterclass in leadership and batting, guiding his team to a historic 353-run chase against South Africa in Karachi. His unbeaten 122 off 128 balls was not just a knock—it was a statement, reinforcing his status as the backbone of Pakistan’s ODI setup.
With Babar Azam under scrutiny for his recent performances, one can’t help but ask: Is Rizwan the true king of Pakistan cricket now?
Rizwan’s Captaincy Masterstroke – Leading from the Front
There was a time when Babar Azam was Pakistan’s undisputed leader, but Rizwan’s impact in clutch moments has made him arguably the most influential player in the team.
- Unbeaten 122 in a record chase* – Showed composure, patience, and match awareness.
- Mentally strong leadership – Constantly guided Salman Ali Agha, ensuring a structured chase.
- Tactical genius – Set five-over targets, a strategy that neutralized South Africa’s bowling attack.
Under pressure situations, Rizwan has delivered time and again. Whether in T20Is, Tests, or ODIs, he has been Pakistan’s most reliable batter over the last two years. With Pakistan’s unpredictability often costing them matches, Rizwan’s cool-headed approach could be the key to consistency moving forward.
Rizwan’s Inspirational Knock Against South Africa
Pakistan’s highest-ever successful run chase in ODIs was powered by two heroic performances:
🔥 Mohammad Rizwan – 122 off 128 balls* (Captain’s Knock)
🔥 Salman Ali Agha – 134 off 103 balls (Maiden ODI Century)
The duo shared a 260-run partnership, which is now Pakistan’s highest-ever fourth-wicket stand in ODIs, surpassing the previous record of 206 between Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik in 2009.
Their ability to absorb pressure, rebuild the innings, and accelerate in the final overs was textbook ODI batting. Rizwan, in particular, showed how game awareness and leadership can turn the tide in a high-pressure chase.
📌 Key Aspects of Rizwan’s Captaincy Against South Africa:
✔️ Adapting to the situation – Calmly anchored the chase while allowing Salman to attack.
✔️ Building partnerships – His 260-run stand with Salman set the foundation for the win.
✔️ Marshalling the batting lineup – Ensured the chase was broken down into achievable phases.
Rizwan’s leadership was evident not just in his batting, but also in his ability to inspire his teammates to step up when it mattered most.
Is Babar’s Era Fading While Rizwan’s Legacy Grows?
While Babar Azam remains Pakistan’s biggest batting superstar, his leadership and ability to step up in crucial moments have been questioned.
🚨 Key differences between Rizwan and Babar as leaders:
- Rizwan thrives in pressure chases, while Babar has struggled to finish games.
- Rizwan’s adaptability makes him indispensable, whereas Babar is often criticized for not accelerating his innings when required.
- Rizwan’s leadership inspires confidence, while Babar has faced criticism for being too passive as captain.
Babar has long been seen as the face of Pakistan cricket, but Rizwan is increasingly proving that he is the engine that keeps the team running.
Recent Performances Comparison (ODIs in 2024):
📊 Babar Azam: 7 matches, 2 fifties, 1 century, avg. 42.5
📊 Mohammad Rizwan: 7 matches, 3 fifties, 2 centuries, avg. 58.6
While Babar remains ahead in ICC rankings, it’s Rizwan who is making match-winning contributions.
🇵🇰 Rizwan’s Cultural Reflection – Why Is Pakistan So Unpredictable?
Rizwan’s post-match press conference after the South Africa game went viral—not just because of his cricketing insights, but because of his brutally honest take on Pakistan’s unpredictability.
“The answer to this is very long because the unpredictability factor is mainly due to our culture. It’s always been the case. Our kids don’t know what to do in life. So if you look at our cricket—whether it’s Australia, Zimbabwe, or even today—there has always been this unpredictability. It’s a rarity that we win games one-sided.”
His remarks were both insightful and controversial, pointing out that Pakistan’s cricketing unpredictability is a reflection of a larger cultural pattern—where last-minute heroics often overshadow structured long-term planning.
This statement sparked a major debate among fans and analysts, with some agreeing with Rizwan’s assessment, while others argued that unpredictability is Pakistan’s greatest strength.
The Real Test: Can Rizwan Overtake Babar in Legacy?
With Pakistan set to face New Zealand in the tri-series final, Rizwan has another chance to cement his status as Pakistan’s most impactful player. If he leads from the front again, his case for being the team’s “real king” will only grow stronger.
📌 Key Areas to Watch in the Final:
✔️ Rizwan’s ability to perform in back-to-back high-pressure games.
✔️ Whether Babar can step up and silence critics.
✔️ How Pakistan’s unpredictability plays out in a do-or-die situation.
For now, Rizwan is making a strong claim to being Pakistan’s most valuable player, both as a batter and as a leader. His calmness under pressure, ability to anchor innings, and tactical intelligence make him Pakistan’s most reliable match-winner.
Who Is the Real King of Pakistan Cricket?
Is it Babar Azam, the stylish run machine who has dominated the ICC rankings but struggled with captaincy?
Or is it Mohammad Rizwan, the warrior-like leader who thrives in adversity and delivers when it matters most?
Right now, Rizwan is not just Pakistan’s leader—he’s their heartbeat. His performances, on-field intelligence, and leadership skills have made him the most influential figure in Pakistan cricket today.
🚨 What do you think? Has Rizwan surpassed Babar as Pakistan’s most valuable player, or does Babar still reign supreme? Drop your opinions below!
