Hasan Nawaz scored the fastest T20I century for Pakistan in just 44 balls, surpassing Babar Azam’s record of 49 balls. Pakistan chased down New Zealand’s target of 205, winning by nine wickets, with Nawaz and Salman Ali Agha’s unbeaten partnership sealing the victory. Pakistan now leads the series 2-1.
In a remarkable display of skill, opener Hasan Nawaz set a new record for the fastest T20I century for Pakistan during the third match against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland. Nawaz reached the milestone in just 44 balls, surpassing Babar Azam’s previous record of 49 balls, which was achieved in 2021 against South Africa.
Pakistan successfully chased down the target of 205, winning by nine wickets with four overs to spare. Remarkably, the team lost only one wicket during the innings. The opening partnership between Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Haris yielded a solid 74 runs before Haris was dismissed for 41 off 20 balls, featuring four fours and three sixes.
After Haris’s departure, captain Salman Ali Agha joined Nawaz, and the two forged an unbeaten 133-run partnership, leading Pakistan to victory. Nawaz’s performance was particularly noteworthy as it marked his maiden T20I century.
Earlier in the match, New Zealand faced significant challenges after being put to bat. Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, dismissing explosive opener Finn Allen in the first over. The innings saw a brief stabilization through a 40-run partnership between Tim Seifert and Will Young, before Seifert fell for 19 off nine balls.
Daryl Mitchell and James Neesham’s contributions were minimal, but Chapman provided a crucial recovery for New Zealand with an aggressive innings of 94 off 44 balls, hitting 11 fours and four sixes. However, he eventually fell to Afridi, leaving New Zealand at 141/5.
Haris Rauf was instrumental in Pakistan’s bowling attack, securing three wickets for 29 runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Abbas Afridi each took two wickets, with Shadab Khan contributing one. With this victory, Pakistan now leads the series 2-1 with two matches remaining.
In conclusion, Hasan Nawaz’s exceptional achievement of breaking the record for the fastest T20I century for Pakistan has reinforced the team’s strength in the ongoing series against New Zealand. With skilled performances from both batsmen and bowlers, Pakistan showcased a comprehensive victory, positioning themselves favorably ahead of the final two matches.
Original Source: tribune.com.pk
