Hasan Nawaz smashes fastest T20I century for Pakistan, breaks Babar Azam’s record
Young opener stuns New Zealand with record-breaking knock in Auckland
DUBAI: Auckland witnessed history as Pakistan’s young batting sensation, Hasan Nawaz, shattered the record for the fastest T20I century by a Pakistani.
The 22-year-old opener, from Pakistan's Layyah district, blazed his way to a 44-ball hundred in the third T20I against New Zealand, surpassing Babar Azam’s previous record of 49 balls. His unbeaten 105 off 45 deliveries powered Pakistan to a resounding nine-wicket victory, keeping their series hopes alive.
Batting first, New Zealand posted a formidable 204-run total, led by Mark Chapman’s explosive 94 off 44 balls. The hosts looked poised for a series-clinching win, but Hasan had other plans.
Dominant chase
Pakistan’s reply was nothing short of extraordinary. Hasan and Mohammad Haris launched a blistering assault, putting up 74 runs in the powerplay. Haris struck 41 off just 20 balls before falling to Jacob Duffy. However, Hasan continued the carnage, reaching his half-century in just 26 balls.
Captain Salman Agha joined him at the crease, adding a steady yet aggressive 51* off 31 balls. Their unbroken 133-run stand ensured Pakistan’s victory with four overs to spare. Hasan’s innings featured 10 fours and 7 sixes, with his final two boundaries sealing both his century and Pakistan’s win.
Records tumble
Hasan’s heroics rewrote Pakistan’s T20I record books:
- Fastest T20I century for Pakistan: 44 balls (previous: Babar Azam’s 49-ball ton in 2021).
- Highest powerplay score in Pakistan’s T20I history: 75/1.
- Highest 10-over score in T20Is for Pakistan: 124/1.
- Second-highest successful run chase for Pakistan in T20Is.
With the series now at 2-1, Pakistan will look to level it in the fourth T20I at Mount Maunganui on Sunday.