New Delhi: Pakistan showcased an extraordinary batting performance to claim a dominant nine-wicket win over New Zealand in the third T20I at Eden Park, Auckland. Chasing a formidable target of 205, Pakistan effortlessly reached the goal in just 16 overs, driven by Hasan Nawazโs phenomenal, record-breaking century..
New Zealand, batting first, posted 204 runs in 19.5 overs. Mark Chapman was the standout performer, smashing 94 off 44 balls, while captain Michael Bracewell contributed a quick 31. Despite Chapmanโs heroics, Pakistanโs bowlers, led by Haris Rauf (3 for 29), kept the Kiwis in check during the latter stages of the innings.
Pakistanโs chase was nothing short of extraordinary. Openers Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz set the tone with a blistering 75-run partnership in the powerplay. Haris scored a quickfire 41 off 20 balls, while Nawaz, who had struggled in the first two matches, roared back with an unbeaten 105 off just 44 balls. His innings included 10 fours and 7 sixes, breaking Babar Azamโs record for the fastest T20I century by a Pakistani batter. Captain Salman Ali Agha added 51 not out, forming an unbroken 133-run stand with Nawaz.
Reflecting on his performance, Hasan Nawaz said, โI failed in the first two games, but the team backed me. After scoring my first run, the pressure was released, and I wanted to win the game.โ Captain Salman Ali Agha praised the teamโs resilience, stating, โThe youngsters batted brilliantly, and this win shows our potential.โ
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Cricket analysts were quick to praise Nawazโs innings. A former cricketer remarked, โHasan Nawazโs century was a masterclass in power-hitting. He has announced himself on the international stage in style.โ
The victory also highlighted Pakistanโs improved fielding and bowling efforts. Shaheen Afridiโs early breakthroughs and Abrar Ahmedโs double strike in the middle overs were crucial in restricting New Zealand to a manageable total.
With this win, Pakistan trails 1-2 in the series, keeping their chances alive. The fourth T20I, scheduled for March 23 at Bay Oval, promises to be another thrilling encounter.
