BBL 15: Former Pakistan pacer criticises Will Sutherland for retiring rizwan

Former Pakistan fast bowler Tanveer Ahmed has criticised Melbourne Renegades captain Will Sutherland for his decision to retire out wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan during the 33rd match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 against Sydney Thunder at the Sydney Showground Stadium.

Rizwan, who struggled for timing during his innings, scored 26 off 23 balls, including two fours and a six, before being signalled to leave the field following a decision reportedly taken by the captain.

Sutherland walked in to bat in the 18th over but was dismissed cheaply, scoring just one run off one ball before falling to Ryan Hadley.

Taking to social media platform 'X', Tanveer slammed the Australian all-rounder, questioning both his on-field performance and the decision to retire out the former Pakistan captain.

"This is the performance of Rizwan's captain — the one who called Rizwan off the field. He should be ashamed of himself," Tanveer wrote.

Fans also reacted strongly to the incident, branding the move an embarrassment, as clips of the moment quickly went viral across social media platforms.

It is pertinent to mention that Rizwan has endured a difficult run with the bat in the ongoing tournament, managing 167 runs in eight matches at an average of 20.88, without registering a half-century.

In the match, Melbourne Renegades batted first and posted 170-8 in their allotted 20 overs. 

Hassan Khan top-scored with 46 off 31 balls, smashing one four and four sixes, while openers Josh Brown and Tim Seifert contributed 35 and 29 runs respectively.

For Sydney Thunder, David Willey, Ryan Hadley and Wes Agar claimed two wickets each.

Following rain interruption, the match was reduced to 16 overs, with Thunder set a revised target of 140. 

Led by captain Sam Billings, Thunder chased down the target with six wickets in hand, thanks largely to a match-winning cameo from Chris Green, who blasted 34 off 13 balls, including three fours and three sixes.

Billings chipped in with 33 off 27 deliveries, featuring one four and a six, while Nic Maddinson played a valuable knock of 30 off 17 balls, striking two fours and two sixes.

For the Renegades, Gurinder Sandhu led the bowling attack despite conceding runs, finishing with figures of 4/42 in four overs, while Adam Zampa also picked up two wickets.