AUCKLAND – In a thrilling encounter at Eden Park, Pakistan triumphed over New Zealand by nine wickets, successfully chasing down a target of 205 during the third T20I match on March 21, 2025. This victory was largely attributed to opener Hasan Nawaz, who made history with his fastest T20 century, scoring 105 runs off just 44 balls, an achievement that bolstered Pakistan's performance in the series.
After facing criticism for scoring ducks in the first two matches of his international career, Nawaz displayed a remarkable comeback, scoring 105 not out and helping Pakistan reach a remarkable 207-1 in just 16 overs. His innings included 10 fours and seven sixes, showcasing his explosive batting style that kept the New Zealand bowlers on their toes. His century surpassed the prior record set by Babar Azam, who achieved a T20 century in 49 balls.
Pakistan's innings got off to a solid start, with fellow opener Mohammad Haris contributing 41 runs off 20 deliveries, while captain Salman Ali Agha joined in with an impressive 51 runs off 31 balls. Together, they built a strong partnership that set the momentum for Nawaz's record knock. Nawaz sealed the win with back-to-back boundaries off Kyle Jamieson, highlighting both his skill and the team's determination.
Earlier, New Zealand had set a solid foundation for their innings after winning the toss and opting to bat first. They managed to score a competitive total of 204 all out in just 19.5 overs, with Mark Chapman being the standout performer. Chapman smashed 94 runs off 44 balls, including 11 fours and four sixes, providing a powerful response to Pakistan's bowling attack. Captain Michael Bracewell supported him with a robust innings of 31 runs. However, aside from these two key players, the rest of the New Zealand lineup struggled to make substantial contributions.
Pakistan's bowling was led by Haris Rauf, who excelled with figures of 3 for 29, showcasing his ability to strike at critical moments. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abrar Ahmed also made significant impacts with two wickets each, while Shadab Khan and Abbas Afridi added to New Zealand's woes with one wicket each.
Speaking after the match, Hasan Nawaz expressed his joy at the record, stating, "This is a special moment; it’s not just for me, but for the team. We showed great character.” His captain, Salman Ali Agha, praised his team's performance, emphasizing their determination to recover from their earlier losses in the series.
On the other hand, New Zealand's captain, Michael Bracewell, acknowledged the team's need to regroup for the next match, stating, “We need to regroup for the next match, and ensure we come back stronger.” Looking ahead, the two teams will face off again on March 23, 2025, in the fourth match of the five-match series at Mount Maunganui, with both sides promising to bring their best to the field.
