Hasan Nawaz scored the fastest T20I century for Pakistan in 44 balls, defeating New Zealand by nine wickets. This victory keeps Pakistan’s series hopes alive, now leading 2-1 with two matches remaining. Haris Rauf was the standout bowler with three wickets.
In a remarkable achievement, opening batter Hasan Nawaz scored the fastest T20I century for Pakistan during the third match against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland. Nawaz reached his maiden T20I century in a mere 44 balls, breaking the previous record of 49 balls set by Babar Azam in 2021. This victory keeps Pakistan’s hopes alive in the series as they defeated New Zealand by nine wickets.
Chasing a target of 205 runs, Pakistan confidently accomplished the feat with four overs remaining, losing only one wicket. The partnership between openers Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz proved invaluable, contributing 74 runs before Haris was dismissed for 41 off 20 deliveries, including four fours and three sixes. After Haris’s exit, skipper Salman Ali Agha joined Nawaz, and the pair formed an unbeaten 133-run partnership to secure the win.
New Zealand’s batting innings faced challenges as they were put to bat first and quickly fell to early wickets. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf dismissed explosive opener Finn Allen in the first over. Tim Seifert and Will Young attempted to stabilize the innings with a brief 40-run partnership until Seifert’s dismissal for 19 runs from nine balls. Chapman countered with an aggressive innings of 94 runs off 44 balls, featuring 11 fours and four sixes, before falling to Afridi.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Haris Rauf, who excelled with figures of 3 wickets for 29 runs across his four overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Abbas Afridi each contributed with two wickets while Shadab Khan added one to the tally. With this victory, Pakistan leads the five-match series 2-1 with two matches remaining.
The match showcased Hasan Nawaz’s extraordinary talent as he claimed the record for the fastest T20I century for Pakistan. With a strong batting and bowling performance, the team achieved a significant victory against New Zealand, maintaining their series lead. Moving forward, Pakistan will aim to secure the series win in the remaining matches.
Original Source: tribune.com.pk
