Sun Mar 23 08:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Rauf’s Spectacle Saves Pakistan From Early Setback as New Zealand Dominates Third T20I

**Auckland, New Zealand** – Pakistan’s Haris Rauf produced a breathtaking, one-handed catch Friday night to dismiss New Zealand opener Finn Allen during the third T20I of their five-match series. The stunning grab, a diving effort to his right at short fine leg, momentarily stole the show despite New Zealand’s eventual dominance.

Allen, attempting a flick off a Shaheen Afridi delivery, was caught completely off guard by Rauf’s gravity-defying catch. The moment was widely praised on social media, a particularly impressive feat given Pakistan’s often-criticized fielding.

Despite the highlight-reel moment, New Zealand controlled the match. Mark Chapman smashed a near-century (94 runs off 44 balls), including 11 fours and four sixes, powering New Zealand to a commanding 204/9. Chapman’s explosive innings, fueled by the short boundaries at Eden Park, proved too much for Pakistan to overcome. He fell agonizingly short of a century, mistiming a slower ball from Shaheen Afridi.

While other New Zealand batsmen struggled, captain Michael Bracewell contributed a valuable 31. Haris Rauf, despite his earlier fielding heroics, took 3-29 for Pakistan, the best figures for his team. Abrar Ahmed and Abbas Afridi, both returning after missing the previous game, also contributed two wickets apiece.

New Zealand, making one change by bringing in Kyle Jamieson for Zak Foulkes, now holds a strong position in the series. The fourth T20I will determine if they can secure a series victory.

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