Pakistan's wicket-keeping batsman, Mohammad Rizwan, expressed his readiness to fulfill any batting role required by the team as they gear up to face India in the Super-4 stage of the ongoing 2023 Asia Cup, scheduled for Sunday, September 10, in Colombo.
During a media interaction, Rizwan extended his support to Pakistan's opening batsman, Fakhar Zaman, expressing confidence in his abilities despite recent challenges. He acknowledged that while there has been talk about Zaman's form, it's essential to consider that he has been dismissed in various ways. In the 2023 Asia Cup, Zaman has managed to score only 34 runs across two innings.
Rizwan pointed out, "Fakhar Zaman has recently received the 'player of the month' recognition, as far as I can recall. While there's a perception that Fakhar Zaman is currently out of form, if you review the early part of his recent innings, you'll notice that the ball is coming onto his bat quite well. However, he has been getting dismissed through different means."
He further emphasized the team's hope that there would be no need to alter their opening combination. Still, he remained open to adjusting his batting position as per the team's requirements. Rizwan's own performance has been commendable, with an unbeaten 63 against Bangladesh during their Super-4 encounter in Lahore.
Rizwan stated, "If there's a need to change our opening combination, it's ultimately a decision for the management. Personally, I am prepared to bat in any position."
In anticipation of the India-Pakistan match, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) introduced a reserve day on September 11 due to the prediction of thunderstorms in Colombo on Sunday.
Leading into the contest, Pakistan enters the game with two full matches, both of which they have won convincingly. In contrast, India has had limited opportunities, having completed one full batting inning and one and a half matches of bowling. The stage is set for the eagerly awaited clash between these two cricketing giants in Colombo on September 10.
