Hasan Nawaz has set the record for the fastest T20I century by a Pakistani, scoring 100 runs in 44 balls. His innings led Pakistan to an emphatic nine-wicket victory against New Zealand, achieving a target of 205 runs. Nawaz is the first Pakistani to score a T20I century in New Zealand and the fourth overall for the nation.
In a remarkable display of talent, Hasan Nawaz has achieved a significant milestone by recording the fastest T20I century for Pakistan. During the third match of the five-match series against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland, the 22-year-old scored his hundred in a mere 44 balls, surpassing Babar Azam’s previous record of 49 balls, set on April 14, 2021, against South Africa.
Nawaz’s explosive innings not only broke records but also played a pivotal role in securing a resounding nine-wicket victory for Pakistan. He finished his innings on 105 runs off just 45 balls, successfully leading the team to chase down a target of 205 runs in only 16 overs. Noteworthy partnerships included a 74-run opening stand with Mohammad Haris, who contributed 41 runs, and a 133-run unbroken second-wicket partnership with captain Salman Ali Agha, who remained not out on 51.
In achieving this milestone, Nawaz became the first Pakistani batsman to score a T20I century in New Zealand, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. It is important to note that he had previously recorded ducks in his initial two T20I appearances, marking this innings as his international debut. Additionally, Babar Azam stands as the only other Pakistani to have scored a T20I hundred against New Zealand.
Nawaz now becomes only the fourth Pakistani player to reach a T20I century, joining the ranks of Babar Azam, Ahmed Shehzad, and Mohammad Rizwan. Babar remains the sole Pakistani to have multiple T20I centuries, achieving this milestone three times.
Earlier in the match, New Zealand’s innings was anchored by Mark Chapman, who scored 94 runs, yet the team struggled for support from other batsmen. Pakistan’s bowling was instrumental in obtaining victory, with Haris Rauf excelling by taking three wickets for 29 runs in four overs. Additionally, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abbas Afridi, and Abrar Ahmed each claimed two wickets.
Captain Salman Agha provided significant contributions to the final total with an unbeaten 51 runs off 31 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes. This match marked his first half-century in T20Is, bringing his total runs across eight innings to 165, averaging 23.57. Notably, 115 of those runs came against New Zealand, at an impressive average of 57.50, representing his fifth half-century in T20 format.
Hasan Nawaz’s astonishing performance not only resulted in a historic T20I century but also propelled Pakistan to a commanding victory over New Zealand. This milestone highlights his promising talent as a cricketer and positions him among the elite batsmen in Pakistan cricket history. With this achievement, Nawaz has set a new standard in T20I cricket and has established himself as a prominent figure in the sport.
Original Source: www.newsbytesapp.com
