Kerala's CP Rizwan hits historic ton for UAE

KOCHI: A few years back CP Rizwan wanted to return to Kerala from the UAE when he got a job with the postal department in order to resume his pursuit of a Ranji Trophy spot. Some wise heads intervened and made sure he stayed in the emirate to complete the four years required for him to be eligible to play for UAE. Now, two years after Rizwan made his international debut for UAE, his decision to stay put has been vindicated as he scored a match-winning 109 (136 balls; 9x4, 1x6) in the first ODI against Ireland in Abu Dhabi on Friday.Rizwan has thus become the first Keralite to score an ODI century representing any country.
"It's a great moment in my life. Ireland is a team that plays international cricket regularly. To score a century against them in a winning cause is immensely satisfying. I want to thank Sanju Samson because I played with the bat gifted by him during India's camp in the UAE after the IPL," Rizwan told TOI from Abu Dhabi soon after his man-of-the match exploits.
Rizwan, 32, hails from Thalassery, the birthplace of cricket in Kerala. He represented Kerala in the junior levels but a senior Kerala cap eluded him. “I used to play for Students Club in Thalassery and Cordiant in Kochi. I was part of the senior Kerala squad for two years but could not get into the playing eleven. In 2014, I got a job in Sharjah and started playing cricket here,” said the electrical engineering graduate.
Rizwan was batting at No. 3 for UAE for the first time and has repaid the faith shown by coach Robin Singh. UAE were chasing a stiff target of 270 but Rizwan put on 184 runs for the fourth wicket with Muhammad Usman (102 not out) as they won by six wickets with an over to spare.
I got a few 40s against Zimbabwe but could not make them count. Robin Singh trusted me and sent me in at one-down today and I'm so happy to have lived up to his expectations. I would like to continue to do my best for the team and help them qualify for the 2023 World Cup," added Rizwan.
Brief scores: Ireland 269/5 in 50 overs (Paul Stirling 131 no, A Balbirnie 53; R Mustafa 2/43) lost to UAE 270/4 in 49 overs (CP Rizwan 109, Muhammad Usman 102 no; Curtis Campher 2/31, Barry McCarthy 2/60) by 6 wickets.