Pakistan bounced back in emphatic style to claim a nine-wicket victory over New Zealand, chasing down 205 runs in just 16 overs at Eden Park. Hasan Nawaz’s stunning 105 off 45 balls*, his maiden T20I century, outshone Mark Chapman’s 94 as Salman Agha’s side reduced the five-match series deficit to 2-1.
Blistering Chase Led by Nawaz and Haris
In the post-Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan era, Pakistan’s new opening pair of Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Haris justified the team’s faith with a rapid 74-run partnership in just 35 balls. Haris, after two low scores, blazed 41 off 20 balls, including two sixes in Kyle Jamieson’s opening over.
Despite a shaky start, Nawaz found his rhythm and delivered the fastest T20I century by a Pakistani batter, reaching 100 off just 44 balls. Supported by Salman Agha (51* off 34), Nawaz powered Pakistan to 207 for 1, completing the fastest 200-plus chase in men’s T20I history.
Nawaz’s explosive innings included 10 fours and seven sixes, while Agha played the perfect anchor, striking six boundaries and two sixes. The pair added 133 runs for the unbroken second wicket, sealing Pakistan’s win with four overs to spare.
Chapman’s Heroics in Vain
Earlier, Mark Chapman had anchored New Zealand’s innings with a dazzling 94 off 44 balls, propelling them to 204 all out. After Shaheen Afridi removed Finn Allen for a duck in the first over, Tim Seifert (19 off 9) and Chapman steadied the innings.
Chapman was relentless against both seam and spin, smashing 11 fours and four sixes. He reached his fourth T20I half-century against Pakistan in 29 balls. However, his dismissal to Afridi’s slower ball in the 13th over triggered a collapse.
Haris Rauf (3-29) and Abrar Ahmed bowled crucial double-wicket overs, halting New Zealand’s momentum. Despite a late 31 off 18 from Michael Bracewell, Pakistan restricted the hosts to 204.
Turning Point: Nawaz’s Onslaught
After Haris’s quick start, Nawaz took charge post-powerplay, shifting gears against Ish Sodhi with a towering six. He reached 50 off 26 balls and accelerated further despite being dropped on 68 by Sodhi.
With 65 runs coming off the last four overs, Nawaz and Agha dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack. Nawaz’s century came off the penultimate delivery, capping a historic chase for Pakistan.
Series Outlook
This record-breaking win has injected momentum into Pakistan, keeping their hopes alive in the five-match series. With two matches remaining, the visitors will look to build on this dominant performance.
#PakistanVsNewZealand #T20I #HasanNawaz #SalmanAgha #CricketVictory #RecordChase #PakCricket
