The ICC Cricket World Cup in 2023 is all set to begin, with all 10 teams arriving ahead of their warm-up matches held from 29th September. The Pakistan team finally arrived in India after being entangled with Visa issues ahead of their flight, causing slight delays. Mohammed Rizwan was happy with the reception given to Pakistan on their arrival in Hyderabad, as they were cheered by fans. Mohammed Rizwan even went on to say that the affection shown by the Indian fans almost mirrored the kind of support they received back home.
Pakistan team had to cancel their pre-bonding session in Dubai due to the delay in receiving visas for travel. Visas were approved 48 hours before the team’s flight, only after the Pakistan Cricket Board wrote to the ICC on their displeasure on the delayed issue of visas. Pakistan team finally arrived in Hyderabad on Wednesday to play their first warm-up game against New Zealand.
The Indian crowd gave us a lot of love at the airport itself, just like how our fans love us back in Pakistan – Mohammed Rizwan
The Pakistan team received a rousing welcome on their arrival at the airport, Pakistan keeper-batter Mohammed Rizwan was speaking to the media during their warm-up match against New Zealand and was all hearty about their reception at the airport. Rizwan scored 103 off 94 balls, powering his side to a total of 345/5 in 50 overs.
“A hundred is a hundred, proud and happy of it. Scoring a century for Pakistan is always special. The Indian crowd gave us a lot of love at the airport itself, just like how our fans love us back in Pakistan. We were welcomed in India in a great way” said Mohammed Rizwan.
New Zealand defeated Pakistan in the warm-up game by 5 wickets after chasing down the 345 runs put forth by Pakistan. A century from Mohammed Rizwan and a half-century from Saud Shakeel went in vain as the New Zealand batters chased down the target on the back of four half-centuries from Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson, and Mark Chapman. Kane Williamson made his comeback into the game after a long injury lay-off and immediately found runs, boosting the Kiwis’ confidence.
I and Babar try to rotate the strike, we bat similarly, our communication is good and that helps us – Mohammed Rizwan
Rizwan also spoke about his pairing with Babar Azam and said that he was ready to bat wherever the team demands, as he bats at different positions in the 3 formats.
“In T20Is, I open for Pakistan, in Tests, I bat at 6-7 and in ODIs, I bat at number 4, I play according to the team requirements. Saud Shakeel is in great form and he played a classy knock today” said Rizwan.
“Hopefully, he turns out to be a great player in the ODI format as well. I and Babar try to rotate the strike, we bat similarly, our communication is good and that helps us.” he added.
Pakistan will be playing Australia in the second warm-up match before their opening encounter against the Netherlands in Hyderabad.