Opener Hasan Nawaz scored a record-breaking maiden century for Pakistan in the third T20I against New Zealand, leading the visitors to a commanding nine-wicket victory to keep the five-match series alive.
The Kiwis lead 2-1 after the defeat on Friday at Auckland after their daunting total of 204 didn’t prove enough. Pakistan lost just one wicket before reaching 207 for their first victory of the tour.
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Following consecutive ducks in his first two international innings, Nawaz delivered an outstanding performance, finishing with an unbeaten 105 not out off just 45 balls to beat the record for fastest T20I century by a Pakistan batter, which until Friday stood in the name of former captain Babar Azam.
Babar took 49 balls to make the record in 2021 in a match against South Africa, and the 22-year-old Nawaz improved that by five balls, reaching his undered off 44 balls.
The visitors completed the chase with four overs remaining, marking a significant turnaround after defeats in Christchurch and Dunedin.
Nawaz overcame his previous disappointments with a brilliant innings, displaying his complete batting repertoire and executing several innovative ramp shots throughout his stay at the crease.
Nawaz dominated the match, striking 10 fours and 7 sixes, securing the win with back-to-back fours against Kyle Jamieson in over number 16.
His opening partner Mohammad Haris contributed 41 runs from 20 balls, while skipper Salman Agha remained not out with 51 runs from 31 deliveries.
Earlier, New Zealand appeared to be in a strong position after Mark Chapman’s swift 94, though they were bowled out in their last over.
Chapman excelled at the crease after New Zealand were put in to bat, striking 11 fours and 4 sixes in a brisk 44-ball innings.
Apart from Bracewell’s contribution of 31, the remaining New Zealand batters found it difficult to get going. Fast bowler Haris Rauf emerged as Pakistan’s most successful bowler with figures of 3 for 29.
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