PCT fans hail Rizwan’s captaincy, chuckle at his DRS discussion with Australia’s Zampa

Cricket fans lauded skipper Mohammad Rizwan's captaincy as Pakistan cricket team staged a remarkable comeback, defeating Australia by 9 wickets in the 2nd ODI at Adelaide Oval on Friday, leveling the three-match series 1-1.

With strong performances in both the bowling and batting departments, Pakistan redeemed its narrow loss in the 1st ODI, restoring excitement and optimism among fans.

This series marked Rizwan’s debut as captain against Australia, and he silenced critics by leading the team to an emphatic victory after recent disappointing performances and losses.

Pakistan's cricket scene has been embroiled in controversies over appointments, player contracts, selection processes, and captaincy decisions, which have all negatively impacted the sport's popularity.

However, Friday’s win reignited the team’s spirit, as bowlers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered outstanding performances, dismantling Australia’s batting lineup.

Haris Rauf starred with five wickets, claiming Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, and Pat Cummins, while Shaheen Afridi secured three wickets, and Mohammad Hasnain and Naseem Shah each took one.

Fans were especially amused by Rizwan’s consultation with Australian batsman Adam Zampa over a DRS review on a ball bowled by Naseem Shah.

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Rizwan to Zampa - You heard something?

Zampa - You appeal for everything.

Rizwan - Can I take it now? (DRS).

Zampa- You should take it. pic.twitter.com/4fFpPjxSKz

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 8, 2024

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Pakistan's Rizwan is the only fielder in the world who consults with the opposition batsman before taking a review, and this is not the first time he has done so. 😂 #AUSvsPAK

pic.twitter.com/WdVb69fQmc

— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) November 8, 2024

“Excellent captaincy by him in both games. Now, he has a chance to make history by winning a series in Australia, an X user said. 

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First win for Muhammad Rizwan as captain

Excellent captaincy by him in both games. Now, he has a chance to make history by winning a series in Australia. pic.twitter.com/Xyh3emPhAE

— junaiz (@dhillow_) November 8, 2024

Sports aficionado  Ahmad Haseeb said, “Rizwan's captaincy is igniting a fire in Pakistan team. His clever strategies are taking Australia by surprise. People who were mocking him, should watch how much these field tactics matter to create pressure, and he trapped such a mentally strong Australian team.”

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Rizwan's captaincy is igniting a fire in Pakistan team. His clever strategies are taking Australia by surprise. People who were mocking him, should watch how much these field tactics matter to create pressure, and he trapped such a mentally strong Australian team. WOW! #PAKvsAUS pic.twitter.com/hrUMlbH7J4

— Ahmad Haseeb (@iamAhmadhaseeb) November 8, 2024

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Adam Gilchrist said, "Brilliant captaincy from Rizwan." pic.twitter.com/NeKCcaqTIA

— 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞 (@CallMeSheri1) November 8, 2024

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Shaheen and Haris Rauf under Rizwan Captaincy pic.twitter.com/TBZoZWnhNb

— Lahori Guy (@YrrrFahad_) November 8, 2024

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Those captains with aggressive bodylanguage are usually praised but Mohammad Rizwan is more like MS Dhoni who keeps himself calm and his teammates pressure free with a smile on his face! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/amGEyD0VaS

— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) November 8, 2024