Pakistan Wins 3rd T20: Hasan Nawaz Shocks NZ with Epic Century
Khelo Pakistan Exclusive: Pakistan stunned New Zealand by 9 wickets in the 3rd T20I on March 21, 2025, at Eden Park, keeping the five-match series alive at 1-2. Debutant Hasan Nawaz smashed an unbeaten 105 off 45 balls—Pakistan’s fastest T20I ton—to chase 205 in just 16 overs. Pakistan wins 3rd T20 match and broke the losing streak.
Explosive Chase Seals Pakistan’s Win
After losing the first two games, Pakistan flipped the script by bowling first. Hasan Nawaz, bouncing back from two ducks, led the charge with 10 fours and seven sixes. Captain Salman Ali Agha added 51* off 31 in a 133-run stand.
- Key Moment: Nawaz’s 44-ball century beat Babar Azam’s record (49 balls).
- Opening Fire: Mohammad Haris’ 41 off 20 sparked a 74-run stand in 35 balls.
- Quote: “Once I scored, the pressure was gone—I wanted to win,” Nawaz said.
New Zealand’s Fight Falls Short
Mark Chapman’s 94 off 44 balls (11 fours, 4 sixes) powered New Zealand to 204. But it wasn’t enough. Haris Rauf’s 3-29 derailed the Kiwis, who were bowled out with a ball left.
- Top Scores: Chapman 94, Bracewell 31, Seifert 19.
- Collapse: Lost Finn Allen for a duck early to Shaheen Afridi.
Why Pakistan Wins 3rd T20 Matters
This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Down 0-2, Pakistan’s faith in youth paid off. Nawaz’s heroics and Agha’s calm shifted momentum. Next stop: Mount Maunganui on March 23.
Mobile-Friendly Stats Table
| Player | Team | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Hasan Nawaz | Pakistan | 105* (45 balls) |
| Salman Agha | Pakistan | 51* (31 balls) |
| Mohammad Haris | Pakistan | 41 (20 balls) |
| Mark Chapman | New Zealand | 94 (44 balls) |
| Haris Rauf | Pakistan | 3-29 (4 overs) |
Pakistan Wins 3rd T20: Nawaz and Agha Rewrite the Script
Pakistan’s decision to bowl first—breaking from the trend of the first two losses—paid off handsomely. After restricting New Zealand to 204, the chase was on, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Hasan Nawaz, who’d faced flak for consecutive ducks in his debut series, silenced doubters with a blistering knock, smashing 10 fours and seven sixes. Captain Salman Ali Agha played the perfect foil, scoring an unbeaten 51 off 31 balls in a match-defining 133-run stand for the second wicket.
“I bombed in the first two games, but the team kept faith in me,” Nawaz said post-match via an interpreter. “Once I got off the mark, the pressure lifted—I just wanted to win it for Pakistan.” And win he did, rewriting records and igniting hope among fans.
The chase kicked off with a bang, thanks to opener Mohammad Haris. Alongside Nawaz, Haris blazed 41 off 20 balls, including four fours and three sixes, as Pakistan raced to 50 in just four overs. Their 74-run opening stand in 35 balls laid the foundation, proving the selectors’ gamble on youth was spot-on in this post-Rizwan-Babar era.
Hasan Nawaz Sets T20I Record
Opening batter Hasan Nawaz lit up Eden Park, scoring the fastest T20I century for Pakistan in the third match against New Zealand. Chasing 205, Nawaz blasted his maiden ton in just 44 balls, eclipsing Babar Azam’s record of 49 balls set against South Africa in 2021.
Khelo Pakistan’s Verdict
Pakistan wins 3rd T20, and the series is heating up! Can Nawaz and co. level it at 2-2? Follow Khelo Pakistan for the latest.
