Hasan Nawaz’s ton helps Pakistan thump New Zealand by 9 wickets in third T20I
AUCKLAND – Hasan Nawaz completed a splendid unbeaten century leading Pakistan to convincing nine-wicket win over New Zealand in third crucial match of the five-T20I series in Auckland on Friday.
The visitors took a strong start as opening pair Mohammad Haris and Nawaz displayed fireworks with bat. Haris made 41 for 20 when he was removed by Jacob Duffy.
However, Nawaz remained unbeaten with 105 runs while Salman Ali Agha made unbeaten 50, clinching a convincing maiden win for their side in the series.
Hasan Nawaz has been named player of the match for his stunning knock.
Earlier, Mark Chapman helped New Zealand set a mammoth target of 205 runs for Pakistan in third crucial match of the five-T20I series at Eden Park, Auckland, today.
After Pakistan got early breakthrough by removing Tim Seifert for 19 and Finn Allen for duck, Champan displayed fireworks with bat as he smashed 94, which include 11 4s and four 6s.
Michael Bracewell from middle order made 31 runs to boost the total.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi took two wickets in four overs for 36 runs while Abrar Ahmed gave 43 runs in three overs.
Haris Rauf claimed three-wicket haul for 29 runs in four overs.
The Team Green need to win the match to stay alive in the series as hosts lead with 2-0. A victory in today’s match will help Kiwis clinch the series.
Abbass Afridi and Abrar Ahmed have been included in the Pakistan team, while Muhammad Ali and Jhandad Khan have been dropped for the match.
Salman Ali Agha-led side suffered defeats in first two matches as the players could not perform up to the mark.
Earlier this week, New Zealand beat Pakistan by five wickets at the University Oval in Dunedin to go 2-0 up in the five-match T20I series.
In a rain-shortened match which was reduced to 15 overs a side, Pakistan after being put into bat for the second successive time in the series managed to score 135 for nine courtesy a 28-ball 46 from captain Salman Ali Agha. The right-hand batter innings included four fours and three sixes.
Shadab Khan (26, 14b, 2x4s, 2x6s) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (22 not out, 14b, 2x4s, 1×6) were the other significant run-getters for the touring side. For the hosts, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy and James Neesham bagged two wickets apiece.
In turn, New Zealand achieved the target in 13.1 overs, losing five wickets in the process. Opening batters Tim Seifert (45, 22b, 3x4s, 5x6s) and Finn Allen (38, 16b, 1×4, 5x6s) provided a brisk 66-run first-wicket stand.
For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the most successful bowler, clinching two wickets for 20 in three overs.
