ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Hasan Nawaz delivered an outstanding performance, scoring an unbeaten 105 runs, as Pakistan comfortably defeated New Zealand by nine wickets in the third T20I at Eden Park, Auckland. The victory reduced New Zealand’s lead in the five-match series to 2-1, with the hosts having won the first two encounters.
Nawaz’s Maiden Century Leads Pakistan to Dominant Victory
Pakistan’s chase of 205 runs was propelled by Nawaz’s explosive innings, which included ten fours and seven sixes. His brilliant knock came in just 56 balls, anchoring Pakistan’s chase after a solid start by the openers. Mohammad Haris provided valuable support at the beginning, contributing 41 runs before falling.
Salman Ali Agha, who joined Nawaz at the crease, played a key role in the partnership, helping the duo comfortably reach the target in just 16 overs. This commanding display of batting showcased Pakistan’s dominance, as they easily outpaced New Zealand’s total despite some early setbacks.
New Zealand Sets a Challenging Target
Earlier, New Zealand had set a challenging target of 205 runs, largely thanks to a resilient 94-run innings from Mark Chapman, who hit 15 boundaries during his knock. After an early collapse, with Pakistan’s pacers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi reducing New Zealand to a tough position, Chapman’s innings helped the hosts recover and post a competitive total.
Daryl Mitchell (17 runs) and Michael Bracewell (31 runs) also contributed to the scoreboard. However, New Zealand’s efforts were not enough to defend the target, as Pakistan’s bowlers had already put them on the back foot.
Pakistan’s Bowlers Dominate
Haris Rauf led the bowling attack with a brilliant performance, taking three wickets and conceding just 20 runs in three overs. Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed also made vital contributions, each claiming two wickets. Their efforts, along with Nawaz’s batting heroics, sealed Pakistan’s comprehensive victory.
Setbacks in Previous Matches
This win came after Pakistan faced defeat in the second T20I at University Oval in Dunedin, where New Zealand emerged victorious by five wickets. Despite managing only 135/9 in a rain-affected match, where Salman Ali Agha top-scored with 46 runs, Pakistan struggled to keep up with the required run rate. New Zealand achieved the target in 13.1 overs, with openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen providing a blistering start.
For Pakistan, Rauf was the standout bowler in that match, but it wasn’t enough to stop the New Zealand chase. With the series now 2-1 in favor of the Kiwis, Pakistan will be hoping to build on this win as they prepare for the next match.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan’s commanding performance in the third T20I has reinvigorated their campaign in the series. As both teams look ahead to the remaining matches, all eyes will be on Nawaz, who has shown he can be a match-winner with both bat and ball. Pakistan will be looking to maintain their momentum and level the series when they face New Zealand again in the fourth T20I.
