Hasan Nawaz smashed an unbeaten 105 off 45 balls as Pakistan thrashed New Zealand by nine wickets in the third T20I on Friday, keeping the five-match series alive. Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first, breaking the trend of the first two matches, which New Zealand won by nine and five wickets.
Nawaz’s maiden international century was supported by captain Salman Ali Agha, who scored 51 from 31 balls. Together, they formed an unbroken partnership of 133 runs for the second wicket. Pakistan chased down New Zealand’s total of 204 with ease, finishing at 207/1 with four overs to spare, handing New Zealand their heaviest T20 loss in terms of wickets.
Nawaz had failed to score in the first two matches, being dismissed for ducks both times. Reflecting on his performance, Nawaz said, “I failed in the first two games and I thank the team for backing me. When I went out to bat, I just wanted to score my first international run. Once I did, the pressure was off, and I focused on winning the game.”
Mark Chapman was the standout performer for New Zealand, scoring 94 off 44 balls, including 11 fours and 4 sixes. However, he lacked support, and the Kiwis were bowled out for 204 with one ball remaining in their 20 overs. Captain Michael Bracewell contributed 31, and Tim Seifert made 19, but New Zealand struggled to build partnerships.
Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, claiming 3-29, including a key spell in the middle overs.
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Pakistan’s opening partnership had been disappointing in the first two games, but Nawaz and Mohammad Haris put on 75 runs in the power play. Haris played a vital knock of 41 from 20 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes. Pakistan raced to 50 runs in just four overs, with Haris smashing two sixes off Kyle Jamieson in the opening over.
Jamieson, who had taken 3-8 in the first match, was costly this time, conceding 30 runs from his first two overs. At the halfway point, Pakistan was 124/1, while New Zealand had been 105/3 at the same stage. Nawaz reached his half-century off just 26 balls, and Salman posted his first T20I half-century off 30 balls, keeping Pakistan on track for a comfortable victory.
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