Auckland (Web Desk): Pakistan have fought back in the ongoing 5-match T20I series against New Zealand, securing a commanding 9-wicket win in the third match.
It was a remarkable turnaround for the visitors, led by a sensational knock from opener Hasan Nawaz, who set the stage on fire with a blistering 105 not out.
Having gone without a run in his first two outings, Nawaz delivered in style, smashing a record-breaking century off just 44 balls, the fastest by any Pakistan player in T20Is.
Chasing New Zealand's challenging total of 204, Nawaz’s performance was the highlight of the night as Pakistan cruised to 207-1 with four overs to spare.
His aggressive stroke play, including audacious ramp shots, carved through the short boundaries of Eden Park, with Nawaz blasting 10 fours and 7 sixes.
He sealed the win with back-to-back fours off Kyle Jamieson, the second of which brought up his century, surpassing Babar Azam’s previous record by five balls.
Mohammad Haris played his part too, contributing a rapid 41 off 20 balls, while the ever-reliable captain, Salman Agha, remained unbeaten on 51 from 31 deliveries. It was a well-rounded chase, with Nawaz’s fireworks dominating the spotlight.
Earlier, New Zealand had put up a strong total, largely due to Mark Chapman’s dazzling 94 off just 44 balls. His innings was the backbone of the Kiwi score, as he peppered the field with 11 boundaries and four sixes.
However, apart from Chapman, the rest of the New Zealand batters struggled to find their rhythm, with Michael Bracewell’s 31 being the only other notable score.
Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Haris Rauf, kept the hosts in check, with Rauf taking 3 wickets for 29 runs, including the crucial dismissal of Bracewell.
Pakistan’s efficient bowling meant that New Zealand couldn’t capitalize on their early momentum and were restricted to a total that proved inadequate in the end.
The result has kept Pakistan alive in the series, and with the fourth match scheduled for Sunday in Mount Maunganui, they will be looking to level the series and keep the pressure on New Zealand.
Teams
Pakistan: Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha (c), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf
New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears
