In a thrilling encounter at Eden Park, Auckland, Pakistan stunned New Zealand in the third T20I, chasing down a challenging target of 205 runs with nine wickets to spare. The star of the match was Hasan Nawaz, who hammered an unbeaten 105 runs off just 45 balls, helping Pakistan level the series. For the latest updates on exciting cricket action, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, T20 World Cup 2024, and more, visit et20worldcup for comprehensive coverage and analysis.
A Remarkable Performance from Hasan Nawaz
Hasan Nawaz’s blistering knock was the highlight of Pakistan’s chase. The 25-year-old right-hander became the fastest Pakistani to score a T20I century, achieving the milestone in just 44 balls. His explosive innings not only helped Pakistan chase down the formidable target of 205 but also kept the team in contention for a series win against New Zealand. Nawaz's performance proved that Pakistan's middle order is capable of handling pressure in high-stakes situations.
Pakistan's Solid Start to the Chase
Pakistan's chase got off to a flying start thanks to the aggressive Mohammad Haris. Haris, who scored a rapid 41 runs off 20 balls, set the tone for the chase during the powerplay. His fiery knock was followed by Nawaz’s unstoppable assault, with the pair quickly taking Pakistan to the brink of victory. Haris's early blitz provided Pakistan with the foundation needed for a smooth chase, and Nawaz's mastery with the bat ensured there were no hiccups along the way.
New Zealand's Strong Total Falls Short
Earlier, New Zealand had posted a competitive total of 204/10, with Mark Chapman leading the charge with a magnificent 94 off 44 balls. Chapman’s innings was full of power and precision, as he propelled New Zealand to a sizable total. However, despite his excellent knock, the hosts could not avoid the onslaught that was Pakistan’s chase. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Haris Rauf (3/29), managed to contain the New Zealand batters and take quick wickets, leaving the hosts unable to build partnerships in the latter stages.
Key Contributions from Pakistan’s Bowlers
Pakistan’s bowlers executed their plans well, especially in the middle overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abbas Afridi each claimed a wicket, while Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan provided key breakthroughs. Rauf’s three-wicket haul proved pivotal in restricting New Zealand’s score. The team’s all-round performance with both bat and ball proved why they are one of the most exciting T20I teams in the world.
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Pakistan’s Hopes Rest on Hasan Nawaz and the Team's Momentum
With this stunning victory, Pakistan has kept the series alive and has a real chance of claiming a win in the final T20I. The team’s confidence is high, with players like Nawaz, Haris, and captain Salman Ali Agha showing their class. This victory was also a vital morale booster, especially after Pakistan had lost the first two matches in the series. Nawaz’s ability to take the game away from the opposition will be crucial for Pakistan’s hopes of finishing the series with a win.
Conclusion
Hasan Nawaz's maiden T20I century will go down as one of the most memorable innings in Pakistan’s T20 cricket history. His aggressive batting, coupled with solid contributions from other key players, ensured Pakistan's remarkable chase. As the series heads to its final match, New Zealand will need to regroup and bounce back, but Pakistan's thrilling victory has raised hopes for an exciting finish to the series. Keep following the latest cricket news and updates at et20worldcup to stay on top of the action.
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