Muhammad Rizwan spent 2 nights in the ICU before top-scoring against Australia in the T20 World Cup semi-finals. The wicket-keeper was hospitalized with a severe chest infection and fought through it like a champion to be deemed fit for the semi-final.
According to reports, Rizwan was only discharged from the hospital an hour before the semi-final began and yet managed to score the highest number of runs against the opposing team. Treated under Dr Saheer Sainalabdeen, a pulmonologist at Medeor Hospital in Dubai, Rizwan would only tell him one thing, ‘Mujhay khelna hai.’
The cricketer was admitted on 9th November with severe retrosternal chest pain mimicking cardiac pain and difficulty in breathing. He had been suffering from intermittent fever, persistent cough , and chest tightness for three to five days prior to being admitted. “His pain score at the time of admission was 10/10 (worst pain). So, we subjected him for a detailed evaluation to diagnose the condition,” Dr Sainalabdeen said.
The doctor also shared how his recovery was no less than a miracle, “Rizwan had a strong desire to play for his nation in the crucial knockout match. He was strong, determined and confident. I am astonished at the pace he had recovered.” He went on to share that Rizwan’s recovery before the semi-finals seemed impossible, “Rizwan had a severe infection. Recovery and gaining fitness before the semifinal seemed unrealistic. It would have normally taken five to seven days for anybody to recover. He seemed very focused and believed in God. His only thoughts were about the semifinal.”
Despite Rizwan’s fragile health, the team managed to rattle Australia but lost by 5 wickets in the semi-final.