Hasan Nawaz put up a storming show in Auckland on Friday night. He hit a remarkable and match-winning 105 not out to steer Pakistan to a fantastic nine-wicket win over New Zealand. Nawaz’s performance was particularly vital, as it followed two successive ducks in the series’ opening matches. His century anchored Pakistan’s successful pursuit of New Zealand’s 204-run target. They won with four overs to spare as they cruised to 207-1.
Nawaz piled on the runs with both elegance and aggression. He brought up his century off only 44 balls, bettering Babar Azam’s record against South Africa in 2021 by five balls. This astonishing accomplishment extended Pakistan’s life in the series. They avoided a first series defeat after being beaten in Christchurch and Dunedin.
A Stunning Reversal of Form
Nawaz’s luck changed in spectacular fashion. After bagging ducks in his first two matches, he went on to score the fastest T20 international century by a Pakistan player. His muscular effort was transformative, not to mention decisive, in shoring up Pakistan’s fortunes in the third Twenty20.
Michael Bracewell, a key figure in New Zealand's squad, expressed his amazement at Nawaz's innings.
“The way Nawaz played was unbelievable, when a guy plays like that it’s pretty tough” – Michael Bracewell
Salman Ali Agha, looking back on the pressure of that match, commented on the team’s attitude heading into such an important game.
“We knew it was do or die but we just wanted to go and enjoy it” – Salman Ali Agha
A Record-Breaking Maiden Century
Nawaz’s 105 was his first T20I century and a new personal best. His innings were equally important not just to his own career hopes but to his team’s chances of winning the series. The feat was all the more impressive considering the support Nawaz enjoyed after his early disasters in the series.
Salman Ali Agha highlighted the importance of supporting young talent.
“We played a proper game, the bowlers bowled really well and, yes, we made changes but if you back youngsters they will come good” – Salman Ali Agha
Keeping the Series Alive
Pakistan’s win was important in ensuring that they still remained hopeful of winning the five-match T20I series. This combination of skills from bat and ball demonstrated the best qualities of Pakistan, as they have always excelled in performing well in high-pressure come-back games. Nawaz’s brilliant all-round display, along with smart bowling changes by captain Babar Azam, was key to their victory against the Kiwis that day.
