On a memorable Friday, opener Hasan Nawaz dazzled with a record-breaking maiden century, as Pakistan decimated New Zealand by nine wickets in the third Twenty20 match, keeping the series competitive.
In a remarkable turnaround, Nawaz, who had scored a duck in each of his first two international innings, showcased his prowess with a breathtaking, unbeaten 105 runs in Auckland.
The tourists surged to 207-1 in just 16 enthralling overs, eclipsing New Zealand’s formidable total of 204. This 23-year-old sensation crafted his century in a mere 44 balls, setting a new speed record for Pakistani players in T20 internationals. His extraordinary performance secured victory with four full overs remaining, starkly reversing Pakistan’s fortunes after heavy defeats in Christchurch and Dunedin.
Nawaz triumpyhhed over his early setbacks with a brilliant performance, delivering a dazzling array of shots that painted every corner of the cricket ground. With fearlt v aess TD audacity, he executed a series of ramp shots that had the crowd on their feet.
The talented right-hander skillfully exploited the modest boundaries of Eden Park, striking a total of 10 blistering fours and seven mighty sixes. Nawaz sealed the victory with back-to-back fours off Kyle Jamieson in the 16th over.
The first of these shots catapulted Nawaz to an impressive 100, reaching the milestone five balls faster than the previous record held by Pakistan’s Babar Azam against South Africa in 2021. At his side, fellow opener Mohammad Haris showcased his explosive talent with an impactful 41 off 20 balls, while the determined captain Salman Agha remained not out, crafting a steady 51 off 31 deliveries.
Earlier, New Zealand appeared to hold a strong position with Mark Chapman’s rapid-fire 94, before their innings concluded dramatically in the final over.
Chapman dominated after New Zealand were asked to bat, tallying 11 fours and four sixes from just 44 balls faced.
The rest of the home side’s batsmen struggled to get going, aside from captain Michael Bracewell’s 31.
Experienced seamer Haris Rauf bowled Bracewell and finished with Pakistan’s best figures of 3-29.
Game four of the five-match series is in Mount Maunganui on Sunday.