A dramatic moment unfolded in the ongoing Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26) clash between the Melbourne Renegades and the Sydney Thunder when Mohammad Rizwan was asked to retire out, leaving fans stunned at the Sydney Showground Stadium in Sydney on January 12.
Mohammad Rizwan shocked as Melbourne Renegades retire him out in BBL 2025-26 clash
The Melbourne Renegades captain Will Sutherland made the bold call in the 18th over after Mohammad Rizwan struggled to get going and managed just 26 runs from 23 balls in a slow knock that hurt his team’s momentum against the hosts, Sydney Thunder.
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The pressure had been building as the scoring rate dipped, and despite his reputation, the former Pakistan captain and seasoned wicketkeeper-batter had to make that call. Just before being asked to walk off, Rizwan finally hit a much-awaited six in the Big Bash League.
It was a rare big hit in his BBL campaign, as it took Rizwan eight innings and 152 balls to smack a six in the tournament.
Melbourne Renegades retired out Rizwan. pic.twitter.com/i1KxaPDNl5
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 12, 2026
Mohammad Rizwan’s BBL nightmare
Mohammad Rizwan’s debut season in the Big Bash League has not gone as planned, with the Pakistan star struggling to find his rhythm for the Melbourne Renegades. He has been getting chances, but he failed to live up to his reputation. His numbers tell the story of a difficult start.
His scores of 4, 32, 16, 6, 41, 21, 21, and 23 in his eight BBL 2025-26 innings have forced the fans and experts to question Rizwan’s role and impact with the bat for the Melbourne Renegades. He has already lost his place in Pakistan’s T20I side, and now such low scores put him under immense pressure.
Will Sutherland’s shock call backfires as captain run out in embarrassing fashion
On the other hand, Will Sutherland’s decision to retire Mohammad Rizwan also backfired badly, and that too in the next over in a very bizarre fashion. Daniel Sams bowled a very full ball outside the off stump. Hassan Khan tried to hit it, but the ball went straight back toward the bowler.
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Daniel Sams stretched his left hand and got a small touch on the ball. At the same time, Sutherland was watching the ball and had stepped out of his crease without noticing. Well, after touching Sams’ hand, the ball went on and hit the stumps. Since Sutherland was out of his crease, he was given a run-out.
Sutherland checked with Sams to confirm if he had touched the ball. Sams said ‘yes,’ and the Melbourne Renegades captain walked back to the dugout after facing only one delivery for one. Later replays clearly showed that the ball had deflected off Sams’ hand before hitting the stumps.
Sydney Thunder need 91 runs in 54 balls to beat Melbourne Renegades
Speaking about the match, the Renegades posted 170/8 on the board in their 20 overs against Thunder, with Hassan Khan being the top scorer with 46 runs off 31 balls, while Josh Brown contributed 35 runs off 25 balls in the BBL 2025-26 clash.
David Willey, Ryan Hadley, and Wes Agar each scalped two wickets for Thunder. Chasing the target, the hosts are currently standing at 80/3 in 11 overs against the Renegades.
