Mohammad Rizwan shared his experience of Pakistan’s monumental win against India in the T20 World Cup 2021. It was the first time Pakistan had defeated India in a World Cup match, be it in the 50-over or T20 format. Historically, India had won 7 T20 World Cup matches against Pakistan and 8 in the 50-over World Cup. Mohammad Rizwan, a crucial part of the victorious team, recounted how this single win significantly impacted the lives of Pakistani cricketers.
Building Confidence and Handling Pressure
Rizwan revealed that Ramiz Raja, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) president, motivated the team well before the World Cup. Raja emphasized the importance of defeating India, even saying, “Regardless of whether you win the trophy or not, just don’t lose to India.” This focus, though pressuring, was meant to instill confidence. Rizwan recalled Raja’s efforts to prepare the team mentally for the high-pressure match against India.
Support from Matthew Hayden
During the 2021 T20 World Cup, the Pakistan team was coached by Australian cricket legend Matthew Hayden. Rizwan remembered a significant moment when Hayden put his arms around him and the captain, asking about their feelings before the big game. The captain expressed their hard work and faith in God’s will. Rizwan highlighted how the India-Pakistan matches draw global attention, adding to the pressure, but Hayden’s support helped them stay grounded.
Unforgettable Aftereffects of the Win
After their win, Rizwan noticed a dramatic change in how people treated the team. In Pakistan, he experienced immense admiration from the public. He shared that when he went shopping, people refused to take money from him, honoring the team for their victory against India. This overwhelming support made him realize the impact of their achievement. Rizwan humorously mentioned avoiding shopping trips because people wouldn’t let him pay, showcasing the deep appreciation from fans.
India and Pakistan are set to face each other again in the T20 World Cup 2024 on June 09, continuing one of cricket’s most intense rivalries.
