Pakistan, batting first, needed 182 to win, and thanks to solid performances from Mohammad Rizwan (71) and Nawaz (42), they were able to do so with one ball and five wickets to spare in Dubai. Mohammad Nawaz’s desire to become a “proper all-rounder” stems from his role in Pakistan’s nail-biting Asia Cup Super Four victory over archrival India, which he helped set up with a batting blitz. 

At the crucial moment of 63-2, Rizwan was joined by Nawaz, a left-arm spinner who normally bats at number eight but was promoted to number four. The chase got back on track thanks to Nawaz, who, at age 28, hit six fours and two sixes in his 20-ball knock. Nawaz, who took three catches and bowled 1-25 in India’s 181-7, earned the man of the match award.

“To play such an innings in a high-pressure game has definitely given me confidence,” Mohammad Nawaz told reporters following Sunday’s win in the regional T20 tournament serving as a warmup for the World Cup in October.

“I’ve been given a chance to develop as a player, and I intend to do everything in my power to live up to the increasing standards being set for me. It is my goal to improve as a player and contribute more to the Pakistan team as a true all-rounder.”