Pakistan opener Mohammad Rizwan spent two nights in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital here, battling severe chest infection, but insisted on playing in the T20 World Cup semi-final against Australia, eventually top-scoring for the team in a lost cause.
Pakistan team doctor Najeeb Somroo revealed these details in the post-match news conference after the side’s ouster from the event.
Just before the semi-final on Thursday, batting consultant Matthew Hayden had simply said that the wicketkeeper-batter was hospitalised due to a “lung condition” without mentioning that Rizwan was in the ICU.
“Mohammad Rizwan developed a severe chest infection on November 9 after which he was admitted to the hospital. He spent two nights in the ICU recovering. He made an incredible recovery and was deemed fit before the match,” Somroo said.
“We can see his great determination and spirit in performing for the country.”
Captain Babar Azam said it was Rizwan who wanted to play in the semi-final.
“When I saw him, he was a little down, but when I asked him about his health he said, ‘no, I will play’. Definitely he’s a team man. The way he played, it was exceptional.
“And the way he played today (Thursday) he showed that he’s a team man. And I am very pleased with his attitude and performance.”
The in-form Rizwan struck 67 off 52 balls in Pakistan’s total of 176/4 after they were asked to bat by Australia who chased down the target with one over to spare.
Dr Somroo said Rizwan’s hospitalisation and admission to the ICU was kept a secret by the team management. “The decision regarding his health was made by the team management. And we kept it within the team,” he said.