Mohammad Rizwan And Fakhar Zaman Pick Toughest Bowlers They Have Faced In International Cricket

Cricket is a game of rivalries, challenges, and constant battles between bat and ball. For international cricketers, facing some of the world’s most skilled bowlers is an inevitable part of their journey. Recently, Pakistan’s star players Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman opened up about the toughest bowlers they have encountered in their careers. Their insights, shared during a special Eid show hosted by former pacer Wahab Riaz, provided a fascinating look into the challenges they face on the pitch. The discussion also featured rising fast bowler Naseem Shah, adding further intrigue to the conversation.

Mohammad Rizwan Names Jasprit Bumrah as His Toughest Opponent

Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s ODI captain and one of the most consistent performers in modern cricket, has faced a variety of bowlers across different conditions. His adaptability and resilience have made him a key player in Pakistan’s batting lineup, but even he has encountered bowlers who have tested his skills to the limit.

Reflecting on his early days in international cricket, Rizwan admitted that Australia’s Josh Hazlewood was the most challenging bowler he faced when he started out. Hazlewood’s impeccable accuracy, bounce, and ability to extract movement off the pitch made it extremely difficult for Rizwan to settle at the crease.

“When I started playing international cricket, I felt Josh Hazlewood was the toughest I faced,” Rizwan stated.

However, as his career progressed, Rizwan found himself facing an even greater challenge: India’s Jasprit Bumrah. The Indian speedster is known for his unorthodox action, pinpoint accuracy, and lethal yorkers, making him one of the most feared bowlers in the world.

“But now it is Jasprit Bumrah,” Rizwan added.

Bumrah’s reputation as one of the best death bowlers and his ability to bowl under pressure have made him a nightmare for many batters. Rizwan’s acknowledgment is a testament to Bumrah’s skill and consistency, especially in high-stakes matches between India and Pakistan. Whether it’s a World Cup clash or an Asia Cup showdown, Bumrah’s ability to deliver in crucial moments has earned him the respect of players across the globe.

Fakhar Zaman Chooses Jofra Archer as His Most Difficult Opponent

Unlike Rizwan, who pointed to Bumrah as his current toughest opponent, Pakistan’s explosive opener Fakhar Zaman provided a more nuanced response. Fakhar, known for his aggressive stroke play and match-winning abilities, highlighted how different conditions influence which bowlers trouble him the most.

“I can tell you according to the conditions,” Fakhar explained. “But I feel it was difficult to face Jofra Archer with the new ball.”

Archer, England’s express fast bowler, is renowned for his ability to generate extreme pace and bounce, particularly in seam-friendly conditions. His natural ability to move the ball at high speeds has troubled many top-order batters, and Fakhar is no exception. Archer’s devastating spells in English conditions have often put opposition batters under immense pressure, making him one of the most feared pacers in world cricket.

However, Fakhar also shared a different perspective when asked about the toughest bowler he has ever faced in his entire career. Interestingly, his choice was not an overseas bowler but rather his fellow countryman, Mohammad Amir.

“In the international circuit, there are many great bowlers. But for me, the toughest to face was Mohammad Amir,” Fakhar revealed.

Amir, known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and deceive batters with subtle variations, has long been considered one of Pakistan’s finest pacers. Fakhar emphasized that Amir’s mastery of line and length, rather than sheer pace, made him an incredibly challenging opponent. His ability to set up batters and lure them into mistakes is something Fakhar found particularly tricky to handle.

Why Bumrah, Archer, and Amir Are Feared Bowlers in World Cricket

The choices made by Rizwan and Fakhar underline the impact that Jasprit Bumrah, Jofra Archer, and Mohammad Amir have had in international cricket. These three bowlers possess distinct styles, yet they share one common trait: the ability to dominate opposition batters.

1. Jasprit Bumrah – The Master of Death Bowling

Bumrah has revolutionized fast bowling with his unorthodox action and incredible precision. Whether it’s his searing yorkers, deceptive slower balls, or ability to generate reverse swing, Bumrah remains India’s go-to bowler in crunch moments. His dominance in white-ball cricket, coupled with his growing stature in Test matches, makes him one of the most complete pacers of his generation.

Key Strengths:
- Deadly yorkers
- Ability to generate seam movement
- Consistency under pressure
- Unreadable slower deliveries

2. Jofra Archer – England’s Express Pace Machine

Archer’s raw pace and ability to extract bounce make him a force to be reckoned with, especially in conditions that favor fast bowlers. His remarkable performances in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup showcased his ability to handle high-pressure situations. Fakhar’s struggles against Archer with the new ball are a testament to the Englishman’s devastating impact.

Key Strengths:
- Extreme pace (consistently above 145 km/h)
- Bounce and seam movement
- Accuracy and adaptability across formats

3. Mohammad Amir – Pakistan’s Swing Maestro

Amir’s ability to swing the ball prodigiously, particularly in the early overs, has made him a standout bowler. His legendary spell against India in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final, where he dismissed Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shikhar Dhawan, remains one of the greatest moments in Pakistan cricket history. Fakhar, having faced Amir numerous times in domestic cricket and the nets, knows firsthand the challenge of dealing with his skillful deliveries.

Key Strengths:
- Seam and swing movement
- Tactical intelligence
- Deceptive pace variations

The Battle Between Bat and Ball Continues

The insights from Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman provide a fascinating glimpse into the ongoing battles between batters and bowlers in international cricket. While Rizwan has found Jasprit Bumrah to be his toughest opponent in recent years, Fakhar has struggled against Jofra Archer’s pace and Mohammad Amir’s swing.

As cricket continues to evolve, these rivalries add an extra layer of excitement to the sport. Whether it’s Bumrah’s deadly yorkers, Archer’s fiery spells, or Amir’s masterful swing, the battle between the bat and ball remains one of the most thrilling aspects of cricket.

With major tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, fans can expect more electrifying contests between these world-class players. For now, Rizwan and Fakhar’s honest admissions remind us that even the best in the game have their toughest challenges—and it’s those challenges that make cricket such an unpredictable and exhilarating sport.

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