Former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ramiz Raja has said that Multan Sultans' skipper Mohammad Rizwan is a modern-day great after the wicket-keeper smashed a sensational century against Karachi Kings on Wednesday.
After three half-centuries in four matches of the ongoing eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Rizwan finally managed to complete his first century. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 110 runs off just 64 balls against the Kings. He hit 10 boundaries and four maximums.
In a video shared on his official YouTube channel, Raja Speaks, he said: "Rizwan batted really well to put his team in a strong position. His batting had variety, elegance, and class as he didn't slog but played good shots. It looked like he would play a bad shot and get out but as always he proved everyone wrong. People say that Rizwan doesn't bat like a modern-day great but he is a modern-day great. Consistency like his is a big thing in T20 cricket."
"The best thing that's happening for Multan Sultans is that their opener Mohammad Rizwan and bowler Ihsanullah are in top form. When your new ball bowler and opener are in form, it becomes almost impossible to lose because these two are an integral part of the core team," he added.
The former cricketer also shed light on James Vince's run-out after a mix-up with Haider Ali.
"Haider Ali is a young player and he will get mature when he plays more cricket. Being out of form also affects running between the wickets because your mind isn't focused on the present," he said.
He also opined that had Haider remained selfless and sacrificed his own wicket to allow Vince to stay at the crease, Karachi would've won the match.
"Haider should learn from it," he added.
Put to bat first, the Sultans posted a mammoth target of 197 before restricting the Kings to 193-5 in 20 overs, thanks to a sensational century from Mohammad Rizwan and a great display by the bowlers in the death overs.
In a thrilling contest, Abbas Afridi defended 22 runs in the last over to help his side win the match.
Skipper Imad Wasim tried his best, scoring 46 runs off 26 balls, but it wasn't enough to chase down the target.
It is worth mentioning here that after losing their PSL opener against defending champions Lahore Qalandars on February 13, the Sultans have secured four consecutive wins in their next four matches.
The 2021 champions are currently sitting at the top of the league table.
In their first away match, the Rizwan-led side will next lock horns with Karachi Kings in their sixth match at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi on Sunday, February 26.