Akhtar shares pic of Rizwan in hospital ahead of T20 WC semi, says 'Massive respect'

Cricket Desk: Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar praised Pakistan opener Mohammad Rizwan for playing the T20 World Cup semi-final against Australia despite going through a “severe chest condition”. The 29-year-old batter was reported to be suffering from “mild flu”, but the real story came to the fore after pictures of him on an ICU bed inside a hospital surfaced.

The youngster had spent two nights in the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital, the Pakistan team management confirmed. Earlier, Matthew Hayden, the Pakistan batting consultant, said that Rizwan had got a chest infection.

“This is a warrior. He‘s been brilliant through the campaign. He battled through a severe chest condition and he has great courage,” Hayden said.

Akhtar lauds Mohamad Rizwan

Akhtar heaped praises on Rizwan for showing a great amount of dedication despite facing serious health issues over the last few days. The Rawalpindi Express showed his appreciation for Rizwan with a post on Instagram.

Shoaib wrote, “Can you imagine this guy played for his country today and gave his best. He was in the hospital last two days. Massive respect Rizwan.”

Later, it was Najeeb Somroo, the Pakistan team doctor, who revealed that Rizwan had to spend two days in the ICU before the semis on Thursday.

“Mohammad Rizwan developed a severe chest infection on November 9th after which he was admitted to the hospital. He spent two nights in the ICU recovering,” he said in the press conference.

“He made an incredible recovery and was deemed fit before the match. We can see his great determination and tenacity that shows his spirit of performing for the country. And we can see how he performed today.

“The decision regarding his health was made by the whole team management. This was regarding the morale of the whole team and therefore we kept it within the team,” the doctor added.

Rizwan had an incredible outing against Aaron Finch and Co as he scored a 52-ball 67 with the help of three fours and four sixes. He batted until the 18th over to make sure that Pakistan racked up a competitive score of 176 on the board.

But his efforts went in vain as Australia won the game by five wickets. In the tournament, Rizwan scored 281 runs at an average of 70.25 with three half-centuries to his name.