Pakistan kept the T20I series alive with a dominant nine-wicket victory over New Zealand, thanks to a record-breaking century by Hasan Nawaz. Chasing 205, the visitors stormed to victory in just 16 overs, with Nawaz smashing the fastest T20I century by a Pakistani player. His unbeaten 105 off 44 balls turned the match around after Pakistan’s disappointing losses in the first two games.
Nawaz’s Redemption After Early Struggles
The 23-year-old opener had a rough start to his international career, scoring ducks in his first two matches. However, he bounced back with a breathtaking knock at Eden Park, Auckland, on Friday. His innings, laced with 10 fours and seven sixes, silenced critics and showcased his attacking ability.
After getting off the mark with a single, Nawaz found his rhythm. “Once I scored that first run, the pressure eased. I just wanted to win the game,” he said. His shots covered all areas of the ground, including some daring ramp shots that left the New Zealand bowlers helpless.
Pakistan’s Aggressive Chase
Pakistan made light work of the 205-run target, finishing at 207-1 with four overs to spare. Salman Ali Agha, the new captain, played a solid supporting role, staying unbeaten at the other end. The win marked a remarkable turnaround for Pakistan after suffering heavy defeats in Christchurch and Dunedin.
Agha praised his team’s effort, saying, “We played a proper game. The bowlers set the stage, and our batting was fearless. Backing young players is crucial, and Nawaz proved why.”
Read: Salman Ali Agha Stresses Improvements After Dunedin Defeat
New Leadership Sparks Change
Pakistan’s cricket board made bold decisions before the series, dropping former captain Mohammad Rizwan and star batter Babar Azam after disappointing performances in the 2024 T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy. The move raised eyebrows, but the new-look team delivered when it mattered most.
Agha’s leadership has injected fresh energy into the squad, and the team responded with an aggressive approach. The bowling attack laid the foundation, restricting New Zealand to a competitive but chaseable total. Then, Nawaz’s explosive knock ensured there were no stumbles in the chase.
Victory Sealed in Style
With the finish line in sight, Nawaz brought up Pakistan’s win in emphatic fashion, smashing consecutive fours off Kyle Jamieson in the 16th over. His record-breaking century will be remembered as one of the finest T20 innings by a Pakistani player.
This victory not only keeps Pakistan alive in the series but also signals a new era for the team, where young players are given opportunities to shine. With momentum on their side, Pakistan will look to carry this confidence into the next match.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates