An impressive all-around display, led by Hasan Nawaz's stunning century, guided Pakistan to a dominant nine-wicket win over New Zealand in the third T20I of the five-match series at Eden Park on Friday.
Not only did this decisive victory keep Pakistan’s series aspirations alive, but it also allowed Hasan to make his mark in the record books by exceeding Babar Azam's benchmark for the quickest T20I century by a Pakistani batsman. In pursuit of an imposing 205-run target, Pakistan’s batsmen displayed complete control as they laid the foundation with a scorching opening stand between Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Haris, amassing 74 runs off merely six overs.
Haris launched a rapid innings, scoring 41 runs from only 20 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and three sixes, until he was dismissed by Jacob Duffy towards the end of the powerplay’s last over. Captain Salman Ali Agha then teamed up with Hasan, and together they dominated proceedings with an undefeated partnership of 133 runs, guiding Pakistan toward a remarkable win. The standout performer, Hasan, remained not out after amassing 105 runs off merely 45 balls, highlighted by ten fours and seven soaring sixes.
Not only did his innings mark a personal achievement, but it was also historical, as he reached his hundred in merely 44 deliveries—breaking Babar Azam's previous record of 49 balls set against South Africa in 2021. Playing a crucial supporting part, Salman remained undefeated at 51 from 31 balls, hitting six boundaries and two maximums, helping Pakistan achieve their target in just 16 overs.
Initially, New Zealand batted first but struggled early on as Shaheen Shah Afridi struck in his opening over by dismissing the formidable Finn Allen. The dismissal came thanks to an impressive one-handed grab by Haris Rauf. Nonetheless, wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert and batsman Mark Chapman offered some resistance, accumulating 40 runs together for their team’s second wicket before Rauf claimed Seifert with just nine balls faced for 19 runs under his belt.
Following Seifert’s exit, Chapman smashed an impressive 11 boundaries and four sixes in a dazzling innings of 94 off only 44 balls. He received fleeting assistance from Daryl Mitchell (17) and James Neesham (3), before being caught out by Shaheen Afridi when he was just six runs away from reaching a deserving hundred. With Chapman departing at 141 for 5 in the 13th over, New Zealand’s middle order came under pressure, allowing Pakistan to take full advantage of this crucial turn in momentum.
Abrar Ahmed subsequently dismantled the tail enders, claiming two wickets in consecutive deliveries which sent Mitchell Hay (9) and Kyle Jamieson (0) packing, causing the home team to falter at 164/7 after fifteen overs. Despite this mid-innings slump, New Zealand’s skipper Michael Bracewell delivered an essential knock, guiding his team beyond the 200-mark. Scoring 31 runs from just 18 balls, he accumulated three fours and two maximums prior to being caught out by Haris Rauf during the second-to-last over.
Pakistan’s bowlers put up a commendable display, with Haris Rauf being particularly impressive, taking three wickets for just 29 runs. Additionally, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Abbas Afridi each grabbed two wickets apiece. This dominant win has helped Pakistan regain momentum in the series, now trailing 2-1 with two games remaining. The fourth T20I is scheduled for Sunday in Mount Maunganui, succeeded by the concluding match in Wellington on March 26th.
Scores in Brief
PAKISTAN 207-1 (Nawaz 105*, Agha 51*, Haris 41) defeated NEW ZEALAND 204 (Chapman 94, Bracewood 31, Rauf 3-29) by nine wickets.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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