Pakistan shattered the record for the fastest 200+ run chase in T20I history on March 21, 2025, decisively defeating New Zealand by nine wickets at Eden Park in Auckland. With this remarkable victory, the Men in Green not only kept the series alive but also delivered a sensational performance that will be talked about for years to come.
Facing significant odds, Pakistan entered the match as heavy underdogs, especially after losing the first two matches of the series by considerable margins. Betting sites like Bet365 had deemed New Zealand likely victors, giving them odds of just $1.25 compared to Pakistan’s longshot odds of $4 to claim the third match of the five-game series.
New Zealand kicked off the match with a furious start, buoyed by Tim Seifert and Mark Chapman. Seifert struck 19 runs off just nine balls, while Chapman showcased his skill with an impressive 94 runs from 44 balls before falling six runs short of a century, taken out by Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi. After Chapman’s dismissal, New Zealand began to lose momentum rapidly. Spinner Abrar Ahmed capitalized on the situation, taking two wickets in consecutive deliveries, and suddenly the Kiwis found themselves in a precarious position.
Despite the early setbacks, Michael Bracewell’s resilient performance (31 runs off 18 balls) alongside Ish Sodhi (10 runs off 10 balls) managed to push New Zealand's score to 204, all out in 19.5 overs. Initially, even after reaching that score, betting markets still favored New Zealand, which seemed reasonable given Pakistan's struggles in their previous outings where they hadn't exceeded 135 runs.
However, persistence paid off for Pakistan as they surged forward with a remarkable batting performance. Hasan Nawaz was exceptional, smashing an unbeaten 105 runs off just 45 balls, marking Pakistan’s highest score in T20Is and a crucial factor in their chase. Alongside him, Mohammad Haris contributed 41 runs from 20 balls and Salman Agha chipped in with 51 runs off 31 balls. Collectively, these players carried Pakistan to a total of 207 runs in just 16 overs, leaving them victorious with a significant 24 balls remaining.
The performance captured the essence of a team rising to the occasion in a do-or-die scenario. “I think it’s an outstanding performance,” said Pakistan’s captain, Agha. “A full proper game. The bowlers started really well; we took early wickets which was missing in the first two games. The two youngsters batted really well. I thought 200 is par here, it’s a good ground for batting. I just said, we can chase this down. The bowlers did really well, restricting them to 200 was a great effort.”
Moreover, Hasan Nawaz’s magnificent century is noteworthy as he became only the fourth Pakistani batter to score a T20I century, and his innings was also the fastest for Pakistan, reaching a century in just 44 balls. The matchup has since earned a place in history for various reasons, including the highest successful chase at Eden Park in T20I history.
In terms of records, Pakistan’s chase of 207 runs stands out as the quickest 200-plus chase in T20Is, surpassing historic performances from teams like South Africa and India. Previously, the record was held by South Africa, who achieved a chase of 208 runs against the West Indies in just 17.4 overs back in 2007. With this latest win, Pakistan also set a new benchmark for the highest successful chase in T20Is.
Looking ahead, both teams are set to clash once more on Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Mount Maunganui. As betting lines adjust post-match, Pakistan's odds have improved slightly to $2.75, while New Zealand continues to be favored at $1.44. With the stakes now raised following this thrilling encounter, fans at Eden Park are keenly anticipating a tightly contested match.
This win is not just about the scores; it signifies resilience and a crucial comeback for Pakistan in the series. Sports analysts believe this performance could galvanize the team for the upcoming matches and possibly turn the series around. Only time will tell if Pakistan can maintain this momentum and secure another victory in what is shaping up to be a competitive basketball series.
By defeating New Zealand, Pakistan also demonstrated the importance of teamwork and spirit within sport—the essence of what makes cricket such a beloved game. With all eyes on the next match, the excitement and anticipation among cricket fans worldwide continue to grow.
