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| Photo File (X/@cricbuzz) |
In a rare and controversial tactical decision during a Big Bash League (BBL) match at Sydney Showground, Melbourne Renegades captain Will Sutherland retired out star batter Mohammad Rizwan in the 18th over to inject late-innings firepower.
Rizwan, who had taken the Renegades to 154/5, was withdrawn to make way for a finisher as the innings entered its final phase. The Pakistani batter, a platinum pick for the franchise, had just struck his first six of the BBL season and was anchoring the innings after scoring consistently throughout the tournament.
Despite the move, the Renegades could only muster 170/8 in their allotted overs. Rizwan finished the competition with 167 runs from eight innings at a strike rate hovering around 100, numbers that underscored his role as a stabilizing presence rather than a power-hitter.
Rain later intervened, revising Sydney Thunder’s target to 140 runs in 16 overs. The Thunder responded calmly, with Chris Green and Nic Maddinson guiding the chase with an unbeaten partnership to seal victory in 15.2 overs.
The decision to retire Rizwan out — the first such instance involving a Pakistani batter in T20 cricket — sparked intense debate among fans and analysts. While some supporters criticized the move as disrespectful to a senior international player, others defended it as a legitimate tactical option, citing similar precedents in leagues like the IPL.
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