New Zealand/Patiala, 22 March (Sports Desk)
Hasan Nawaz Blazes to Fastest T20I Century by a Pakistani, Leads Team to Stunning Victory Over New Zealand
In a breathtaking display of skill and resilience, Pakistan’s 22-year-old opener Hasan Nawaz stormed into the spotlight with an unbeaten 105 off just 45 balls in the third T20I against New Zealand. Playing only his third match in the format, Nawaz turned his fortunes around after two consecutive ducks to deliver a maiden T20I century off a mere 44 deliveries—the fastest by any Pakistani batter in Men’s T20Is. His explosive innings powered Pakistan to chase down New Zealand’s daunting total of 204 in just 16 overs, losing only one wicket in the process.
Nawaz’s record-shattering knock eclipsed the previous benchmark set by former captain Babar Azam, whose 49-ball century against South Africa in 2021 had held the record for Pakistan’s quickest T20I ton. With this feat, Nawaz not only claimed the title of the fastest century-maker for Pakistan but also became the sixth Pakistani batter to score a hundred in Men’s T20Is. His 105* also marked the highest individual score by a Pakistani against New Zealand in the format, surpassing Babar’s 101* from 2023 in Lahore.
see this link also….India Sets New T20I Record, Falls Short of 300
A Masterclass in Aggressive Batting
Nawaz’s innings was a spectacle of power and precision, laced with 10 fours and 7 sixes. He reached his fifty in just 26 balls, setting the stage with a rapid 74-run partnership alongside Mohammad Haris (41) in only 5.5 overs. Unfazed, Nawaz accelerated further, racing to his century in the next 18 deliveries. His relentless assault ensured Pakistan maintained momentum throughout the chase, with captain Salman Ali Agha joining him to seal a commanding nine-wicket victory, keeping the series alive at 2-1.
Here’s how Nawaz’s century stacks up among Pakistan’s fastest T20I hundreds:
| Player | Opposition | Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Hasan Nawaz | New Zealand | 44 |
| Babar Azam | South Africa | 49 |
| Ahmed Shehzad | Bangladesh | 58 |
| Babar Azam | New Zealand | 58 |
| Babar Azam | England | 62 |
New Zealand’s Fight and Pakistan’s Bowling Response
Earlier, New Zealand posted a competitive 204, driven by Mark Chapman’s scintillating 94. The hosts looked set for a bigger total, but Pakistan’s bowlers struck back late. Haris Rauf led the attack with three wickets, while Shaheen Afridi, Abbas Afridi, and Abrar Ahmed each claimed two, bowling out New Zealand off the penultimate ball of their innings.
A Star is Born
For Nawaz, this innings was more than just a personal triumph—it was a statement. After a shaky start to his T20I career, his blistering ton not only silenced doubters but also etched his name in Pakistan’s cricketing history. With the series now poised at 2-1 in New Zealand’s favor, Nawaz’s heroics have injected fresh hope into Pakistan’s campaign, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion in the remaining matches.
