Shahid Afridi: “I think as a captain, Rizwan should set an example for the others which is very important. He has to perform in every game”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Legendary Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi said ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan “has to perform in every game”.
He noted that it is important for Rizwan to do this as he has to lead by example so that other players in the team also stand up and deliver.
Afridi is a big fan of the 32-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman as he has been one of Pakistan’s most consistent run-scorers as of late.
In addition to this, he praised Rizwan for being a “fighter”, having “positive body language” and always giving 100 percent.
“I think as a captain, Rizwan should set an example for the others which is very important. He has to perform in every game. He is one player who keeps the team together and behaves equally with every member. He is a fighter, has… positive body language, gives a lot on the field,” Afridi was quoted as saying by TOK Sports on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Recently, Rizwan led Pakistan in their ODI tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa, where he made 171 runs in three matches, which included a top score of 122 not out, at an average of 85.50.
He followed that up with 49 runs in two games in the 2025 Champions Trophy at an average of 24.50.
Pakistan lost to New Zealand and India in the tournament, which led to them getting knocked out in the group stage.
Their final match against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain.
The men in green will now tour New Zealand for a white-ball series, which will comprise five T20Is and three ODIs that will be held from March 16 to April 5.
Pakistan Squad for T20I Series against New Zealand: Hasan Nawaz, Omair Yousuf, Mohammad Haris, Abdul Samad, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Irfan Khan Niazi, Khushdil Shah, Shadab Khan, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Khan
Pakistan Squad for ODI Series against New Zealand: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Irfan Khan Niazi, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir
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