Newbie Batter Hassan Nawaz Tears into Kiwi Bowling Attack to Score Fastest T20I Century As Pakistan Beat New Zealand By 9-Wickets in 3rd T20I

Srinagar: After stumbling in the first two matches, Pakistan reignited their campaign with a commanding 9-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third T20I, injecting fresh excitement into the five-match series. The visitors showcased a ruthless blend of disciplined bowling and explosive batting to secure their first win on New Zealand soil.

New Zealand posted 204/10 in 19.5 overs, driven by a sensational 94-run blitz from Mark Chapman (44 balls, 11 fours, 4 sixes). Skipper Michael Bracewell (31 off 18) provided late fireworks, but Pakistan’s bowlers struck repeatedly to curtail momentum. Shaheen Afridi (2-36) dismantled the top order, removing Finn Allen (0) and Tim Seifert (19), while Haris Rauf (2-29) and Abbas Afridi (1-24) tightened the screws. Spinners Shadab Khan (1-33) and Abrar Ahmed (1-43) stifled the middle overs, ensuring the hosts fell short of an imposing total.

Pakistan’s chase was a masterclass in aggression. Newly inducted opening batter Hasan Nawaz, under fire after twin failures earlier in the series, silenced critics with a career-defining unbeaten knock, scoring 102. Partnered by captain Salman Agha (also unbeaten), Nawaz tore into New Zealand’s attack, steering Pakistan to 207/1 in just 16 overs at a staggering run rate of 12.94. Despite Mohammad Haris’ early dismissal, the duo’s unbroken 167-run stand left the hosts shell-shocked, wrapping up the chase with 24 balls to spare.

Nawaz’s century is the fastest in the format for Pakistan team.

The victory narrows New Zealand’s series lead to 2-1. Pakistan’s resurgence, powered by Nawaz’s redemption and a fiery bowling unit, has shifted the momentum.

With two matches remaining, the fate of five-match series now hinges on whether Pakistan can sustain their resurgence or if New Zealand will reclaim their dominance in this high-octane T20 showdown.