Pakistan stormed back in the T20I series with a resounding nine-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third T20I at Eden Park, chasing down a daunting target of 205 in just 16 overs.
New Zealand: (16/20 ov, T:205) 207/1
Hasan Nawaz stole the show with a breathtaking 105 off 45 balls*, marking his maiden T20I century in only his third international match. His innings, studded with 10 fours and 7 sixes, was instrumental in Pakistan’s highest-ever successful run chase against New Zealand. He shared an unbeaten 133-run stand with Salman Agha, who played a solid supporting role with 51 off 31 balls*.
Earlier, New Zealand posted a competitive 204-run total, but Pakistan’s batting lineup delivered a counterattack that left the hosts stunned. The chase was sealed in style, as Hasan Nawaz struck back-to-back boundaries to bring up his century and the team's victory with 24 balls to spare.
The win levels the series and sets up an exciting contest for the remaining matches.
Team Lineups
New Zealand has retained its winning combination, with Michael Bracewell leading the side. Pakistan, on the other hand, has made key changes, with Salman Ali Agha captaining the team. The absence of senior players like Babar Azam continues to raise questions among fans.
New Zealand Playing XI:
Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears.
Pakistan Playing XI:
Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha (c), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf.
The selection decisions for Pakistan have sparked debate among fans and analysts. Many question the exclusion of in-form players like Sufiyan Muqeem and Abbas Afridi. Fans are also calling for the inclusion of experienced players like Usman Khan.
Awais, a fan, expressed frustration: “Abbas and Sufiyan were performing well, yet they were not included in the first two matches. The selection policies remain puzzling.”
Meanwhile, Indian cricket fan Abhijeet extended support for Pakistan, stating, “The boys have taken a lot of criticism. They need a win to regain confidence.”
Series at a Crucial Juncture
New Zealand, riding high after winning the first two matches convincingly, will aim to seal the series with another victory. Pakistan, struggling to find consistency, needs a strong performance to prevent a series defeat.
With the action set to unfold, all eyes will be on Pakistan’s young guns to see if they can turn the tide against the hosts.
