Hasan Nawaz scored a record-breaking maiden century of 105 not out, leading Pakistan to a nine-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third T20 match. The win kept the series alive after two prior losses. Nawaz’s innings included 10 fours and seven sixes, establishing the fastest T20 century for a Pakistani player. New Zealand set a total of 204 runs, with Mark Chapman scoring 94. Haris Rauf took 3 wickets for Pakistan.
In a remarkable display of skill, opener Hasan Nawaz achieved a record-breaking maiden century on Friday, leading Pakistan to a convincing nine-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third T20 match held in Auckland. This win kept the series competitive after Pakistan had faced two defeats in the initial games.
Nawaz’s innings was a stunning turnaround, following a disappointing start to his international career where he had previously scored ducks in the first two matches. He accelerated to an impressive 105 not out, coming off just 44 balls, marking the fastest T20 century by a Pakistani player. Pakistan successfully chased New Zealand’s score of 204, finishing at 207-1 with four overs remaining.
The 23-year-old’s innings showcased his talent with a variety of shots, including daring ramp shots that dazzled the crowd at Eden Park. His explosive performance featured 10 fours and seven sixes, with the winning runs coming off back-to-back fours from bowler Kyle Jamieson, the second of which brought him to his century five balls quicker than the previous record held by Babar Azam in 2021.
Alongside Nawaz, fellow opener Mohammad Haris contributed significantly with 41 runs off 20 balls, while captain Salman Agha remained not out at 51 runs from 31 balls. Earlier, New Zealand had set a challenging total, primarily thanks to Mark Chapman’s explosive 94 runs off 44 balls, including 11 fours and four sixes. The rest of the batting lineup, however, struggled, with captain Michael Bracewell adding a modest 31 runs.
Pakistan’s Haris Rauf claimed the best bowling figures for the team, taking 3 wickets for 29 runs, including that of Bracewell. The next match of the five-match series is scheduled to take place in Mount Maunganui on Sunday.
In conclusion, Hasan Nawaz’s exceptional performance marked a significant moment for Pakistan cricket, showcasing resilience and talent after a rough start to the series. His record-breaking century not only propelled his team to a vital victory but also highlighted his potential on the international stage. With this win, Pakistan aims to further contest against New Zealand in the remaining matches of the series.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
