Pakistan stormed back into the series with a dominant nine-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third T20I at Auckland, keeping their hopes alive in the five-match series. Chasing 204, Pakistan made a mockery of the target, reaching 207/1 in just 16 overs—thanks to a breathtaking century by debutant Hasan Nawaz.
The 22-year-old opener announced himself on the world stage with a sensational 44-ball century, the fastest by a Pakistan batter in T20Is. He shattered Babar Azam’s previous record (49-ball ton vs South Africa in 2021) and became the first Pakistani player to score a T20I century in fewer than 45 balls.
CENTURY IN HIS THIRD T20I
Hasan Nawaz smacks the FASTEST T20I hundred by a Pakistan batter, off 44 balls #NZvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/UTduvlnxM4
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 21, 2025
New Zealand’s Fiery Start, Pakistan’s Fightback
After winning the toss, Pakistan put New Zealand to bat first. The Kiwis started aggressively, but Pakistan’s pace attack struck early. Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Tim Seifert (19 off 9) and Finn Allen (0), reducing New Zealand to 43/2 in 4.1 overs.
Mark Chapman led the recovery, smashing boundaries at will. He put up a 55-run stand with Daryl Mitchell (17 off 11), but Shadab Khan broke the partnership, dismissing Mitchell with a sharp catch by Rauf.
Chapman continued his onslaught, reaching his half-century in just 29 balls. He tormented Abbas Afridi and Salman Agha, launching them for boundaries and sixes. However, Shaheen Afridi got the breakthrough, dismissing Chapman for a brilliant 94 off 44 balls (11 fours, 4 sixes).
Michael Bracewell’s late cameo (31 off 18) pushed New Zealand past 200, but Pakistan’s bowlers kept striking. Rauf led the attack with 3/29, while Shaheen and Abbas picked up two wickets each. New Zealand folded for 204 in 19.5 overs.
Hasan Nawaz Unleashes Mayhem in Run Chase
Pakistan’s chase started with fireworks as Mohammad Haris hammered Kyle Jamieson for two sixes in the first over. Hasan Nawaz joined the party soon after, and Pakistan raced to 50 in just four overs.
Haris fell for a quickfire 41 off 20 balls (5 fours, 3 sixes) after a superb catch by Mitch Hay, but Pakistan had already set the tone. Hasan reached his fifty in 26 balls and kept going. He dismantled Ben Sears with two fours and a six in the 10th over, keeping Pakistan well ahead of the required rate.
At the other end, Salman Agha played the perfect supporting role. He smashed Jacob Duffy for two sixes and a four in the 13th over, helping Pakistan reach 150 in just 12.2 overs. He then took on Ish Sodhi, cracking three consecutive fours and bringing up a 100-run partnership in 47 balls.
Hasan, who had scored two ducks in the first two matches, scripted a dream comeback by reaching his maiden T20I century in style. He finished unbeaten on 100* off 44 balls, smashing nine fours and seven sixes. Agha (51* off 31) stayed firm at the other end as Pakistan cruised to victory.
With this win, Pakistan now trails 2-1 in the five-match series, setting up an exciting contest for the remaining games.