Pakistan Achieves Historic Victory Over New Zealand In Third T20I
Record-breaking chase showcases explosive batting as Hasan Nawaz leads the way with a remarkable century.
On March 21, 2025, Pakistan delivered an extraordinary performance in the third T20 International against New Zealand at Auckland's Eden Park, chasing down a staggering target of 206 runs in just 16 overs. This remarkable achievement not only secured a critical victory for the Pakistani team in the five-match series but also set a new world record for the fastest successful chase of 200 or more runs in T20 cricket, previously unmatched in the sport's history.
Opened by Hasan Nawaz, who had faced a rocky start in his earlier games, he showcased his brilliance by scoring an unbeaten 105 runs off just 45 balls, including an impressive tally of ten fours and seven sixes. This performance made Nawaz the first Pakistani batsman to score a century in T20Is while also being the first to do so after registering ducks in his initial two innings.
With the Pakistani batting lineup fully clicking, Nawaz's stunning century became the fastest hundred scored by a Pakistani, breaking Babar Azam's former record of 49 balls against South Africa in 2021. This accomplishment marked yet another milestone in Pakistani cricket history, further amplifying the excitement among fans in attendance.
Following Nawaz were key contributions from his teammates. Salman Ali Agha supported with a solid unbeaten 51 runs off 31 balls, while Mohammad Haris stunned the crowd with a blazing 41 runs off just 20 balls. Their explosive batting combined to achieve the 206-run target in just 16 overs, clocking a run rate of 12.93, the highest ever for a Pakistani innings in T20Is.
Despite New Zealand's efforts, which featured an impressive performance from Mark Chapman, who struck 94 runs off 44 balls, it wasn’t enough to hold back the remarkable power of the Pakistani batsmen. Pakistan's dominance became evident early in their chase, scoring 75 runs during the Powerplay, a record-high for the team. The partnership between Nawaz and Agha, which yielded 133 runs for the second wicket, was another highlight, anchoring the innings and ensuring the victory was secure.
The success in this match was vital for Pakistan, who had previously faced defeats in the first two matches of the series. This victory breathed new life into their campaign, keeping their hopes alive as they look forward to level the series in the upcoming fourth T20I on March 23, 2025.
"Outstanding performance. Proper game we have played,” commented Pakistan's captain, Salman Ali Agha. “The bowlers started really well and then the two youngsters batted really well. If you back the youngsters they will do well like today. 200 is a par score on this, good wicket and I just said to the guys we can chase this down if you bat well. The bowlers did really well, restricting them to 200 was a very good effort from the bowlers and I’m very happy. It was do or die and we just wanted to go out and enjoy ourselves today. Looking forward to the next game as well.”
This win marked a significant step for the Pakistani team in the context of their T20I campaign and highlighted their explosive batting prowess. With players like Nawaz leading the charge, the team is poised to take on New Zealand again with renewed confidence and a shift in momentum.
Pakistan’s remarkable feat has captivated the cricket world, showcasing not merely a stunning victory but also establishing new benchmarks in the format. As they prepare for the next match, fans and players alike will be eager to witness whether they can carry this momentum forward and potentially seize the series from their formidable opponents.
Ultimately, the third T20I at Auckland was more than just a match; it was a spectacular display of talent, tenacity, and history being rewritten on the cricket field.
