Cricket fans witnessed a historic moment in T20 cricket on March 21, 2025, when Pakistan's rising star, Hasan Nawaz, broke the record for the fastest T20I century by a Pakistani batsman, achieving the feat in just 44 balls. Nawaz's remarkable performance led Pakistan to a dramatic victory against New Zealand in the third match of their five-game series, keeping their hopes alive in this gripping contest.
Nawaz, a 22-year-old opener, showcased his extraordinary talent by scoring an unbeaten 105 runs off only 45 balls, which included an astonishing 10 fours and 7 sixes. His century surpassed the previous record held by Babar Azam, who reached the three-figure mark in 49 balls against South Africa in 2021. This monumental achievement came at Eden Park in Auckland, where Pakistan successfully chased down a target of 205 runs set by New Zealand.
After facing scrutiny for his underwhelming performances in his first two T20I matches—where he recorded back-to-back ducks—Nawaz's explosive innings was a necessary lifeline for the Pakistani side. To put the significance of this win in perspective, it not only avoided a whitewash in the series, trailing 2-1, but marked Pakistan's second-highest successful run chase in T20 history.
In the match, Nawaz built a solid partnership with Mohammad Haris, who contributed a valuable 41 runs. They put together a 74-run opening stand before Salman Agha joined Nawaz at the crease. Together, they formed a potent partnership that yielded 133 runs for the second wicket, further solidifying their impact in this match. Agha played a commendable role in his own right, scoring 51 runs off 31 balls. The impressive strike rate of their partnership, measured at a blistering 218 runs per 100 balls, is noteworthy in T20 cricket.
While reviewing the match, New Zealand’s Mark Chapman also made headlines, scoring a commendable 94 runs, but it wasn't enough to secure victory for his team. The innings from Chapman included 11 fours and 4 sixes, yet lacking support from other batsmen, he fell short of what could have been a match-defining century.
Pakistan's win in this third T20I match draws attention to the fast-pacing evolution of its cricketing landscape, especially with young talents like Nawaz stepping up on the international stage. Prior to this match, he had played 16 games in the domestic circuit, reputedly scoring around 700 runs. Fans and commentators have been eager for Nawaz's breakthrough moment, particularly after his successful stint in the Kashmir Premier League where he emerged as a key player for Mirpur Royals.
Reflecting on his performance during the match, Nawaz expressed the pressure he felt before stepping onto the field. "The way I got out in the first two matches, I was very disheartened, but the captain and Shadab supported me. They told me I am a matchwinner, and that helped me," he remarked. Nawaz’s resilience shines through, as he noted moments of self-doubt: "Definitely, when I got out in the first two games I did think [this was it], you know how Pakistan can be, that I'll go back to domestic cricket." This shows a level of humility and the human side of competitive sport.
This win is a vital psychological boost for the Pakistani team as they move into the fourth T20I scheduled for March 23, 2025, at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. With the previous losses against New Zealand weighing heavily on the squad, this victory offers renewed hope and momentum. Cricketers and fans alike will be watching closely to see if Nawaz can replicate this level of performance in the crucial remaining matches of the series.
Nawaz's breathtaking century not only places him in the record books but also positions him as a crucial player for Pakistan's future in T20I cricket. If he continues to harness his talent and deliver under pressure, he could play a vital role in shaping the future success of the national team, bringing pride to Pakistani cricket.
