Rizwan’s dismal form continues in Renegades’ derby win

Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan had another toiling day in the Big Bash League despite scoring his highest runs in the league so far. Rizwan, who is representing the Melbourne Renegades this season, scored 41 off 38 balls in the Melbourne derby, hosted by the Melbourne Stars.

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Big Bash League 2025-26 Dec 14 to Jan 25

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January 4, 2026 3:15 pm Result

Perth Scorchers won by 33 runs

Adelaide Strikers

120/10 (18.1)

Perth Scorchers

153/8 (20)

January 4, 2026 12:05 pm Result

Melbourne Renegades won by 4 wkts

Melbourne Renegades

177/6 (19.5)

Melbourne Stars

173/9 (20)

Forgettable BBL season for Rizwan

While his innings was comparatively better than his shoddy displays in previous games, he still seemed out of sorts in the middle. He struck at a rate of 107 while chasing 174 against a team known for its bowling finesse. Such dismal returns further diminish any chance Rizwan has of returning to the national side.

Although he is reportedly not part of Pakistan’s plans for the T20 World Cup, the wicketkeeper spot is still up for grabs. But Rizwan can only knock on the selectors’ door with strong performances, which seem to be eluding him at the moment.

He averages 19.80 with a strike rate of 103 in the five BBL games he has played so far. With his current form, even his place on the Renegades side is in jeopardy.

Rizwan falls down the pecking order

To add to his misery, Pakistan have as many as three wicketkeeping options, including Khawaja Naffay, Usman Khan, and Sahibzada Farhan, to choose from for the World Cup. While none of them boast as much experience or, arguably, wicketkeeping skill of his stature, their batting form puts them ahead of Rizwan.

Pakistan are expected to announce their T20 World Cup squad after the Sri Lanka series, which will run from January 7 to January 11 in Dambulla.

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