Pakistan will secure a nine-wicket victory by chasing 205 in Auckland, beating New Zealand in the third T20 International.
Opener Hasan Nawaz hit a record-breaking maiden century as Pakistan crushed New Zealand with nine wickets in the third Twenty20 to keep the series alive.
After winning ducks in each of the two opening games, the first innings of his international career, the Nawaz rebounded with a spectacular, unbeaten 105 at Auckland on Friday.
The 23-year-old Ton has left the 44 ball, the fastest by the T20 International Pakistani player.
That led his team to reach the target with four full overs in a tough comeback in form after a big loss at Christchurch and Dunedin.
Pakistan’s support has boosted Nawaz
Nawaz said he appreciated the backing who chased two ducks in the first two matches of the series.
“After we got one run, the pressure was released and we just wanted to win the game,” the Pakistani opener told TNT Sports.
Pakistan has controversially dropped Captains Mohamed Rizwan and Babar Azam for the series following their disappointment at the 2024 T20 World Cup and the recent Champions Trophy.
Salman Ali Aga, who assumed the captain from Lizwan earlier this month, said, “We played the right game. The bowlers bowled really well.
Nawaz placed his early failure behind him with a sparkling knock featuring shots around the wicket, including a series of bold ramp shots.
The right-hander hit the short Eden Park boundary with 10’s for and 76’s, bringing a succession of four wins from Kyle Jamieson on the 16th.
The first shot of these shots brought Nawaz to 100. This is Babar Azam against South Africa in 2021, five balls faster than previous Pakistani record holders.
fellow opener Mohammad Harris won 20 off 20, while Captain Salman Aga was undefeated with 51 off 31 off.
Chapman’s challenge was met by Pakistan
Previously, New Zealand was well placed after Mark Chapman hit a Rapid 94 before being rejected in the final.
After New Zealand was asked to hit, Chapman ruled, talliing 11 four and four sixes from just 44 balls.
The remaining batters on the home side struggled to advance, except for Captain Michael Braiswell’s 31.
Experienced seafarer Harris Rauf bowled Braiswell and finished with Pakistan’s 3-29 best.
“The way Nawaz played was incredible, when the guys play it like it’s pretty difficult,” Braiswell recalled at the post-game ceremony.
Four of the five-match series will take place on Sunday at Mount Maunganui.
“We knew it would do or die, but we just wanted to enjoy it,” Aga added. “Now we’re looking forward to the next game.”
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