Hasan Nawaz’s blazing century powers Pakistan to a crushing victory over New Zealand

Hasan Nawaz stunned the cricket world with a scintillating unbeaten 105 off just 45 balls as Pakistan thrashed New Zealand by nine wickets in the third T20 international on Friday, keeping the five-match series alive.

Pakistan, who had lost the first two games, won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision that reversed the pattern of their earlier defeats by nine and five wickets. New Zealand posted 204, driven by Mark Chapman’s blistering 94 off 44 balls, but lacked sufficient batting depth to push the total even higher.

Chasing 205, Nawaz shook off his earlier failures — he had made ducks in both previous matches — and unleashed a batting storm. Supported by captain Salman Ali Agha, who scored 51 off 31, Nawaz powered Pakistan to a commanding total of 207-1, with four overs to spare. Their unbeaten 133-run stand sealed New Zealand’s heaviest-ever T20 defeat in terms of wickets.

“I failed in the first two games, and I thank my team for backing me,” Nawaz said. “After I scored my first run, the pressure lifted, and I focused on winning the game.”

Despite Chapman’s heroics, which featured 11 fours and 4 sixes, New Zealand couldn’t prevent a Pakistan comeback that left the series at 2-1.