Fri Mar 21 06:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Nawaz Shatters Azam’s Record, Powers Pakistan to Victory
**Auckland, New Zealand –** Hassan Nawaz smashed a breathtaking century off just 44 balls, propelling Pakistan to a resounding nine-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third T20I of their five-match series in Auckland on Friday. His innings, a stunning display of power hitting, eclipsed Babar Azam’s previous record for the fastest T20I century for Pakistan (49 balls).
Nawaz’s unbeaten 105 included 10 fours and seven sixes, a remarkable feat achieved at a strike rate of 233.33. His explosive knock, alongside an unbeaten 51 from captain Salman Agha (31 balls, strike rate 164.52), easily chased down New Zealand’s 204-run target with 24 balls to spare. Mohammad Haris also contributed a quickfire 41 from 20 balls.
Earlier, New Zealand, batting first, posted 204 runs in 19.5 overs. Mark Chapman top-scored with 94 (44 balls, strike rate 213.64), but his efforts were ultimately in vain against Pakistan’s powerful batting display. Jacob Duffy was the only successful New Zealand bowler, taking the wicket of Mohammad Haris while conceding 37 runs in three overs.
For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Abbas Afridi each took two wickets. Shadab Khan claimed one. Nawaz’s stunning performance not only secured a comfortable win for Pakistan but also cemented his place in the history books.
First Piper 