In a stunning display of talent and perseverance, Pakistan's rising star Hasan Nawaz dedicated his record-breaking innings to his father and credited the unwavering support of his team for his success during the recent T20I match against New Zealand.
During a post-match media talk in Auckland, Nawaz revealed that securing victory for his team was his top priority, rather than reaching a personal milestone. He advised his batting partner, Agha Salman, to focus on completing the match instead of worrying about his century. "I told him to complete the game; I wasn’t concerned about my century," he remarked during the conference.
Setting a new record for the fastest T20 hundred by a Pakistani player, Hasan scored an impressive 105* off just 44 balls, leading Pakistan to a nine-wicket triumph. This milestone achievement also earned him the Player of the Match award.
"I was under a lot of stress after getting out twice in my first two matches," admitted Nawaz, referring to his previous struggles. He even entertained thoughts of returning to domestic cricket to work on his skills before changing his mindset for this crucial game. "Today, my only focus was taking the first single, and once I did that, the pressure eased, allowing me to play my natural game,” he explained.
Expressing gratitude for the encouragement he received from the management and selectors, Nawaz dedicated the century to his father, who had always prayed for his success. "This century is for my father. He has always prayed for my success," he stated with emotion.
Furthermore, he acknowledged the confidence shown by Pakistan selector Hassan Cheema, who messaged him saying, “I know you’ll score runs.” This boosted his belief in his abilities. In a similar vein, Aaqib Javed reassured him that he would still be backed to play, even if he faced multiple failures: "Aaqib bhai told me, even if I get five ducks, it’s okay, the team management would believe in me,” Hasan recounted.
On the other hand, his journey hasn't been without its challenges. Hasan's mother chose not to watch the match out of fear that her gaze might bring him bad luck. Hailing from a middle-class family in Layyah with no notable cricketing background, his parents expressed immense joy following their son's incredible performance. "We are incredibly proud of him and grateful to God for this achievement," his father remarked.
As for Hasan, he admitted that he found attacking spinners easier than facing fast bowlers. Reflecting on his performance, he underscored that the victory stemmed from teamwork. “Today’s victory was a result of teamwork, and we are continuously learning from our mistakes,” he emphasized.
Prior to this stunning turn of events, Hasan had faced severe pressure after two consecutive ducks in his initial matches. However, the words of captain Salman Ali Agha and deputy Shadab Khan proved critical, as they provided vital reassurance and bolstered his confidence leading into the match.
"The backing from Agha and Shadab was crucial. They reassured me, saying they believed in my skills and my ability to win matches for the team,” said Hasan. In the lead-up to the series, which featured a cluster of young players, the Pakistan team had struggled to find their footing on the seam-friendly pitches in Christchurch and Dunedin.
However, the mindset shifted during this match toward playing aggressive and fearless cricket. "Even though the conditions in New Zealand are challenging, with new-ball bowlers being tough, once the pressure was released, our mindset shifted to attacking,” Hasan stated.
His success on this day was not only a personal victory but a win for his entire team, as they navigated through the difficult conditions to emerge triumphant. As experts have noted, Hasan's ability to adapt and perform under pressure will be crucial as the team navigates the rest of the series. Born in Layyah, he first gained recognition as the second-highest run-scorer in the 2022 Kashmir Premier League.
With a promising future ahead, Hasan Nawaz is a name to watch closely in upcoming matches. His journey from humble beginnings to achieving such remarkable milestones serves as an inspiration for many young cricketers. As the T20I series continues, one thing is certain: Hasan has solidified his place as a key player for Pakistan, and the cricketing world will undoubtedly hear more about his achievements in the future.
