'If you back the youngsters they will do well like today': Pakistan T20I captain Salman Agha's cryptic message after Hasan Nawaz's 44-ball century

From registering their lowest T20I score against New Zealand and a poor display of bowling in second T20I, a new-look Pakistan side beat New Zealand by 9 wickets with four overs to spare.

Sports Tak

• Fri • 21 Mar 2025

Hasan Nawaz celebrates his century with captain Salman Agha (L). Pakistan T20I captain in the post-match presentation.

Highlights:

Hasan Nawaz scored the fastest T20I century for Pakistan.

Pakistan chased down 205 from 16 overs.

Nawaz had registered two consecutive ducks in first two games.

The 22-year-old Hasan Nawaz made an underwhelming start to his T20I career. But Nawaz got the third chance in the ongoing five-T20I series and repaid the faith with a record-breaking century in the run chase of 205 against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland on March 21. After chasing down the target with 24 balls to spare, Salman Agha lauded opener Nawaz and stressed on the importance of backing the youngsters.

"Outstanding performance. Proper game we have played, the bowlers started really well and then the two youngsters batted really well. If you back the youngsters they will do well like today," Salman said in the post-match presentation.

Mark Chapman scored 94 runs from just 44 balls but New Zealand suffered a collapse and were bowled out for 204 with one ball left in the innings. Salman praised the bowlers for restricting the hosts for 204.

"200 is a par score on this, good wicket and I just said to the guys we can chase this down if you bat well. The bowlers did really well, restricting them to 200 was a very good effort from the bowlers and I'm very happy. It was do or die and we just wanted to go out and enjoy ourselves today. Looking forward to the next game as well," he added.

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Nawaz thanks Shadab, Nawaz for keeping faith in him

Nawaz scored the fastest century for Pakistan from just 44 balls. He broke the record held by Babar Azam from 49 balls. This is also the joint-fastest T20I century against New Zealand alongside Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera. He hit 10 fours and seven sixes in his knock. As he was adjudged 'Player of the match', he thanked captain Salman and vice-captain Shadab Khan for backing him.

"I was disheartened with the way I got out in the first two games but the captain and Shadab Khan backed me to play my natural game," the youngster said.

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Nawaz and Salman shared a 133-run partnership for the second wicket from just 65 balls. Salman remained not out for 51 from 31 balls. This is Pakistan's second-highest successful run chase in the format. This is also their fourth 200-plus successful run chase.