WEBDESK: Opening batter Hassan Nawaz broke Babar Azam’s long-standing record of fastest T20I century for Pakistan after scoring 105 off 45 balls during the third match against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday.
Desperately needing a win to stay in the series, Hassan Nawaz reached his maiden T20I hundred in just 44 balls, breaking Babar Azam’s previous record of 49 balls, set against South Africa in 2021.
Pakistan defeated New Zealand by nine wickets in the third T20I of the five-match series at Eden Park on Friday, keeping their hopes of winning the series alive.
Chasing a target of 205, Pakistan comfortably achieved the target with four overs to spare, losing just one wicket. Openers Mohammad Haris and Hassan Nawaz provided a solid start, adding 74 runs together before Haris was dismissed for 41 off 20 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes.
Following Muhammad Haris’ dismissal, captain Salman Ali Agha joined Hassan Nawaz at the crease. The duo went on to win the game by putting up an unbeaten 103 run partnership.
Speaking after the game, player of the match Hassan Nawaz said, “The way I got out in first two matches, I was very disheartened, but captain and Shadab supported me, told me I am a match winning player and that helped me. I just had in my mind that I need to score a single first in international cricket and then after that I felt relaxed and the pressure was released. I had so much backing and I am so grateful to my captain.”
Earlier, New Zealand was put into bat and faced early setbacks. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf dismissed explosive opener Finn Allen in the first over.
Tim Seifert and Will Young briefly stabilized the innings with a 40-run partnership until Seifert was dismissed for 19 off nine balls by Rauf.
Chapman led the recovery for New Zealand with an aggressive 94 off 44 balls, hitting 11 fours and four sixes.
He formed partnerships with Daryl Mitchell (17) and James Neesham (three) before falling to Afridi. New Zealand was at 141/5 in 12.5 overs at that point.
Haris Rauf was the standout bowler for Pakistan, taking 3 wickets for 29 runs in his four overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Abbas Afridi each claimed two wickets, while Shadab Khan took one.
New Zealand currently leads the series 2-1 with the next match set to take place on 23rd March.
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