Hasan Nawaz delivered a spectacular batting show for Pakistan in the third T20I against New Zealand at Eden Park on March 21, Friday. Opening the innings, Nawaz displayed his power hitting prowess to help Pakistan thrash New Zealand by nine wickets in a high-scoring thriller.
Hasan Nawaz breaks Babar Azam's record with magnificent century
Following Pakistan's successful bowling performance, which saw them dismiss New Zealand for 204 runs, the batting lineup began their chase with aggressive intent. Nawaz, alongside Mohammad Haris, established a rapid 74-run opening partnership, providing a strong foundation. Even after Haris's dismissal, Nawaz maintained his composure, forging a vital partnership with captain Salman Ali Agha.
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During his innings, Nawaz reached a well-deserved half-century, solidifying his position as a key contributor to the team's success. This accomplishment also placed him among an elite group of Pakistan's top T20 performers.
Hasan Nawaz's impressive innings continued to escalate as he surpassed the 80-run mark which propelled him past Babar Azam on the list of Pakistani batsmen with the highest individual T20I scores achieved in New Zealand. Nawaz didn't stop there as he went on to notching a historic century which made him the first Pakistani batsman to score a T20I hundred on New Zealand soil.
Moreover, his outstanding performance culminated in him achieving the highest individual T20I score for Pakistan against New Zealand. This feat allowed him to surpass Babar Azam's another previous record, solidifying his place as a top performer in Pakistan's cricketing history.
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Pakistan batters with highest T20I individual scores against New Zealand:
| Batter | Highest score |
| Hasan Nawaz | 105* |
| Babar Azam | 101* |
| Mohammad Hafeez | 99* |
| Mohammad Rizwan | 90* |
| Sarfaraz Ahmed | 76* |
Hasan also clocked the fastest T20I century for Pakistan's men's team which propelled them to a resounding nine-wicket win over New Zealand to keep the series alive. His contribution was crucial in Pakistan's successful chase of a record-breaking total, keeping the series alive. New Zealand are currently leading the five-match T20I series against Pakistan 2-1.
Nawaz's exceptional performance was supported by key contributions from his teammates. Captain Salman Ali Agha played an instrumental 51-run knock. Moreover, star opener Mohammad Haris also chipped in with 41 runs in Pakistan's winning cause.
Pakistan and New Zealand will yet again lock horns with each other in the fourth T20I on March 23 at the Bay Oval.