Fans Erupt As Hasan Nawaz’s Record-breaking Century Guides Pakistan To A Dominant Win Against New Zealand In The 3rd T20I

The third T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand at Auckland’s Eden Park turned into a spectacle of power-hitting and relentless dominance as Pakistan stormed to a record-breaking nine-wicket victory, successfully chasing down New Zealand’s massive 204-run target with astonishing ease.

The match saw young opener Hasan Nawaz produce one of the finest T20I innings in Pakistan’s history, smashing a breathtaking 105 off just 45 balls to completely dismantle New Zealand’s bowling attack. His extraordinary knock, well supported by Mohammad Haris (41 off 20) and Salman Agha (51 off 31),* ensured that Pakistan chased down the target with 24 balls to spare—a statement victory that breathed life into the five-match series.

With this emphatic triumph, Pakistan kept their series hopes alive, sending a clear message to the hosts ahead of the remaining games.

New Zealand’s Power-Hitting Takes Them to 204

Opting to bat first, New Zealand capitalized on the small dimensions of Eden Park to unleash a flurry of boundaries, posting an imposing 204/5 in their 20 overs.

Finn Allen’s Explosive Start

New Zealand opener Finn Allen was in no mood to hold back, taking on the Pakistani bowlers right from the first over. His aggressive intent set the tone for the innings as he bludgeoned 62 off just 30 balls, sending the ball flying into the stands with fearless stroke play. His powerful sixes and crisp boundaries rattled the Pakistani attack, putting New Zealand in the driver’s seat early on.

Allen found solid support in Tim Seifert, who played a crucial hand with a quickfire 48 off 29 balls. Together, they dominated the powerplay, adding 80 runs for the first wicket in just 6.5 overs.

Pakistan’s Bowlers Fight Back in the Middle Overs

After a blistering start by New Zealand, Pakistan’s spinners and pacers fought back effectively in the middle overs.

Shadab Khan (2/36) and Haris Rauf (2/38) provided crucial breakthroughs, slowing down the Kiwi charge.
Shadab removed Allen and Seifert in quick succession, breaking the dangerous partnership.
Rauf then dismissed Mark Chapman (12) and Glenn Phillips (18) to further peg New Zealand back.

Despite these setbacks, Daryl Mitchell’s quickfire 32 off 15 balls in the death overs ensured that New Zealand crossed the 200-run mark, finishing at 204/5—a total they believed would be enough to seal the series win.

Hasan Nawaz’s Century Powers Pakistan to a Historic Chase

Chasing 205 under lights at Eden Park was never going to be easy, but Hasan Nawaz had other plans. The young sensation, playing only his third T20I match, delivered a masterclass in aggressive batting, rewriting history books with his maiden T20I hundred in just 42 balls.

A Dominant Opening Stand

Pakistan’s chase got off to a flying start, thanks to Nawaz’s fearless intent and Mohammad Haris’s dynamic stroke play.

The duo added a blistering 74-run stand in just 5.2 overs, instantly shifting the momentum in Pakistan’s favor.
Haris smashed 41 off just 20 balls, ensuring New Zealand’s bowlers had no time to settle.

Even after Haris departed, Nawaz continued the carnage, toying with the Kiwi bowlers and clearing the ropes at will.

Hasan Nawaz’s Century: A Knock to Remember

Nawaz’s innings was a perfect blend of power and elegance. His shot selection was impeccable, and his ability to find the gaps made the run-chase look effortless.

He reached his fifty in just 21 balls and continued his onslaught.
With boundaries flowing from his bat, he brought up his maiden T20I century in just 42 balls.
His towering sixes and pinpoint drives left New Zealand stunned as they searched desperately for a breakthrough.

Salman Agha’s Finishing Touch

While Nawaz stole the limelight, Salman Agha (51 off 31 balls)* ensured there were no late hiccups in Pakistan’s chase.

He rotated the strike well, allowing Nawaz to continue his aggressive approach.
When needed, he accelerated brilliantly, finishing the chase in style.

Pakistan reached the target in just 16 overs, sealing a commanding nine-wicket victory.

New Zealand’s Bowling Woes: No Answers to Pakistan’s Onslaught

New Zealand’s bowlers had no answers to Pakistan’s relentless aggression. Their frontline pacers and spinners were put under extreme pressure and failed to make an impact.

Bowlers Who Struggled:

Ben Sears (0/45 in 4 overs) – Taken to the cleaners by Nawaz & Haris.
Jacob Duffy (0/38 in 3 overs) – Couldn’t contain the runs, lacked control.
Ish Sodhi (0/44 in 4 overs) – The leg-spinner was taken apart by Nawaz.

Pakistan’s calculated attack completely neutralized New Zealand’s bowling strategies, exposing their weaknesses in defending big totals.

Match Summary: A Night of Records

New Zealand – 204/5 (20 overs)
- Finn Allen – 62 (30)
- Tim Seifert – 48 (29)
- Shadab Khan – 2/36
- Haris Rauf – 2/38
Pakistan – 208/1 (16 overs)
- Hasan Nawaz – 105 (45)*
- Mohammad Haris – 41 (20)
- Salman Agha – 51 (31)*

Pakistan won by 9 wickets (with 24 balls to spare).

Post-Match Reactions

Hasan Nawaz (Player of the Match):

“This was a dream innings for me. I wanted to play positively, and thankfully, everything worked out. Chasing 200+ is never easy, but we backed ourselves, and I’m happy I could contribute to the win.”

Pakistan Captain (Babar Azam):

“What an innings by Hasan Nawaz! It was a fantastic team effort. We knew we had to play aggressively, and credit to the boys for executing the plan so well. The series is still alive, and we’re looking forward to the next games.”

New Zealand Captain (Mitchell Santner):

“We thought 204 was a strong total, but credit to Pakistan for the way they batted. Hasan Nawaz played an outstanding knock, and we just couldn’t stop the flow of runs. We need to regroup for the next match.”

What’s Next?

With this victory, Pakistan keeps the five-match T20I series alive. The series now stands at 2-1 in favor of New Zealand, with two matches to go.

Pakistan will head into the fourth T20I with renewed confidence, aiming to level the series, while New Zealand must regroup to prevent a dramatic comeback from the visitors.

Can Hasan Nawaz continue his sensational form? Will New Zealand find a way to stop Pakistan’s aggressive batting?

All eyes will be on the next game as this thrilling T20I series heats up!

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