Hasan Nawaz has set a new record for the fastest T20I century for Pakistan, scoring 100 runs in 44 balls, surpassing Babar Azam’s previous record. His innings of 105 not out helped Pakistan achieve a nine-wicket victory over New Zealand. Nawaz became the first Pakistani to score a T20I century in New Zealand, joining an elite group of T20I century scorers for Pakistan.
In a remarkable display of batting prowess, Hasan Nawaz has established a new record for the fastest T20I century achieved by a Pakistani player. The 22-year-old accomplished this feat in the third match of a five-match series against New Zealand at Auckland’s Eden Park, scoring his hundred in a mere 44 balls, thus surpassing Babar Azam’s previous record of 49 balls set on April 14, 2021.
Nawaz’s blistering performance not only set a record but also led Pakistan to a commanding nine-wicket victory. He remained unbeaten with a score of 105 runs off only 45 balls, successfully chasing a target of 205 runs in just 16 overs. His innings featured significant partnerships, including a 74-run opening stand with Mohammad Haris (41) and an unbroken 133-run partnership with captain Salman Ali Agha (51*).
The match saw Nawaz achieving considerable milestones. He became the first Pakistani batter to register a T20I century in New Zealand, as noted by ESPNcricinfo. This century marked his debut in international T20 cricket after previously scoring ducks in his first two matches. Notably, Babar Azam is the only other Pakistani player to have scored a T20I century against New Zealand. This achievement marked Nawaz’s first T20I hundred, including two prior fifties.
Overall, Nawaz joins an elite group, becoming the fourth Pakistani player to hit a T20I century, alongside Babar Azam, Ahmed Shehzad, and Mohammad Rizwan. Babar remains the only Pakistani with multiple T20I hundreds, achieving this remarkable feat three times.
Initially, New Zealand’s innings faltered despite an impressive 94 from Mark Chapman, as support from other players was lacking. Pakistan’s bowling attack was crucial to their victory, with Haris Rauf leading with three wickets for 29 runs in four overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abbas Afridi, and Abrar Ahmed each contributed by dismissing two batsmen.
Captain Salman Agha rounded off the innings with an unbeaten 51 runs from 31 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes. This marked Agha’s first fifty in T20Is, accumulating 165 runs in eight innings at an average of 23.57. Notably, 115 of those runs have come in matches against New Zealand, reflecting an impressive average of 57.50 in this context, adding to his overall tally of five half-centuries in the T20 format.
In summary, Hasan Nawaz’s extraordinary achievement of the fastest T20I century for Pakistan highlights his emerging talent and potential. His performance not only set a new benchmark in T20 cricket but also contributed significantly to Pakistan’s victory over New Zealand, showcasing effective partnerships and robust bowling efforts. This match marks a pivotal moment in both his career and the landscape of Pakistani cricket.
Original Source: www.newsbytesapp.com
