NZ Vs PAK Highlights: Hasan Nawaz's Ton Guides Pakistan To Record-Breaking Win

Hasan Nawaz for Pakistan. [Source - @TheRealPCB/x.com]

On the back of a swashbuckling century from Hasan Nawaz, Pakistan beat New Zealand by nine wickets in the third T20I of the ongoing five-match series. It was a record-breaking night at the Eden Park in Auckland as the Men In Green chased down their third highest T20I total with ease and kept themselves alive in the series with two more games to go.

Let's take a look at how things panned out at the Eden Park in the New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I match:

Chapman’s Explosive Start Dominates Early Play

After being asked to bat first, New Zealand got off to a good start despite losing in-form Finn Allen early in the very first over. They managed 58 runs on the board inside the powerplay with Mark Chapman being the major contributor. Tim Seifert launched an early surge as well but was well beaten by Haris Rauf who took a wicket in the very first delivery of his spell.

Pakistan introduced spin following the powerplay in order to put a break in the run flow, but Chapman swiftly thwarted their plans, taking on the spinners and smashed them all around the park. His fearless approach put New Zealand on the driving seat as they crossed the 100-run mark at the half-way stage.

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Pakistan’s Timely Wickets Keep NZ in Check

After what was a solid first half of the innings for the hosts, Chapman continued the onslaught against spinners. Pakistan had to bring their pace guns back into the attack to regain control and put a break on the batting momentum.

It was Abbas Afridi first, followed by Shaheen Afridi who applied pressure and managed to get a couple of quick wickets. Chapman, who was batting at 94, fell short of a well deserving century. Michael Bracewell stepped in to try and maintain New Zealand's momentum, but Pakistan quickly removed him, further denting their progress.

The timely wickets continued to fall, and never allowed New Zealand to accelerate in the latter stages. Eventually, they could only add just 54 in the last six overs and posted 204 on the board. Harish Rauf was excellent with the ball for the visitors as he picked 3 wickets and gave away just 29 in his 4.

Pakistan’s Openers’ Early Blitz Leaves New Zealand in Ruins

In reply, Pakistan got off to a breathtaking start, with Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Haris firing on all cylinders. Both the openers were at their explosive best, attacking the New Zealand bowlers right from the very beginning. Their aggressive stroke play saw Pakistan race to an impressive 75 runs inside the powerplay, their highest in T20I history.

While Haris eventually fell at the end of the powerplay, Hasan continued to unleash his big shots, keeping New Zealand on the backfoot. His relentless batting ensured that Pakistan remained firmly in control as they posted 124 runs with the loss of one wicket at the end of 10 overs.

Pakistan Cruise to Comfortable Victory

After the halfway mark, Pakistan's captain, Salman Agha, joined the party as he started to open his hands after a watchful start at the other end of Hasan. Agha’s positive approach added to the growing pressure on New Zealand as he completed his half-century as well.

On the other hand, with Pakistan rapidly closing in on New Zealand's total, Hasan brought up his century in just 44 balls and finished the game with a boundary with four overs to spare, securing a comfortable and convincing victory after two consecutive defeats in the series.

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