Rizwan, the 'fighter,' made it to a half-century in Pakistan versus Australia semi-final after being in ICU for a month.

    ByShehryar Makhdoom | Published date: | Modified date:
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    (Image credit: Shoaib Akhtar and Rizwan, Twitter)

    Rizwan's heroics at the T20 World Cup has been described as "warrior" when officials disclosed that the wicketkeeper-batsman had been hospitalized with a severe chest infection before taking to the field to score half a century for Pakistan in their defeats to India and Australia.

    With his unbeaten 67 from 52 balls in Pakistan's semi-final against Australia in Dubai on Thursday, Rizwan top-scored for his team, helping them win the final against New Zealand on Sunday with a score of 176.

    According to the medical team, Rizwan was taken to hospital on Tuesday and remained there for two nights before being released.

    Well before the game, doctor Najeebullah Soomro stated that "he made an extraordinary recovery and was declared fit."

    "His attitude of service to his country is evident in his steadfastness and perseverance. And his performance today is something we can witness."

    Mitchell Starc took the wicket of opener Rizwan, who made an impressive half-century with four sixes and three fours before succumbing.

    Opening batsman Babar Azam revealed even before the match that 29-year-old Rizwan was "a little bit sad."

    "However, when I asked him about his health, he answered, 'no, I'm going to play,'" Babar explained.

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