Pakistan roared back into the five-match T20I series against New Zealand with a stunning nine-wicket victory in the third game at Eden Park, Auckland. Chasing a daunting target of 205, Pakistan’s new-look batting lineup delivered a flawless performance, led by Hasan Nawaz’s maiden T20I century and an explosive opening stand by Mohammad Haris and Nawaz. The emphatic win ensured that the visitors kept the series alive at 2-1.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Overs | Top Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 204/10 | 19.4 | Chapman 94, Bracewell 31, Rauf 3-29 |
| Pakistan | 207/1 | 16.0 | Nawaz 105*, Agha 51*, Haris 41 |
| Result | Pakistan won by 9 wickets |
New Zealand’s Batting Performance: Chapman’s Heroics in Vain
After losing the toss, New Zealand was put into bat and faced an early setback as Finn Allen fell for a three-ball duck to Shaheen Shah Afridi in the first over. However, Mark Chapman, who has consistently troubled Pakistan in previous encounters, stepped up and played a breathtaking knock of 94 off 44 balls, studded with 11 fours and four sixes.
New Zealand’s Batting Scorecard
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
| Mark Chapman | 94 | 44 | 11 | 4 |
| Michael Bracewell | 31 | 18 | 4 | 1 |
| Tim Seifert | 19 | 9 | 2 | 1 |
| Daryl Mitchell | 17 | 11 | 2 | 1 |
| Others | 43 | – | – | – |
| Total | 204 | 19.4 ov | – | – |
Chapman played some exquisite shots, particularly against the spinners Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed. His stroke play, combined with Bracewell’s cameo, helped New Zealand cross the 200-run mark. However, Pakistan fought back in the death overs, with Haris Rauf (3-29) and Abrar Ahmed (2-34) restricting the Black Caps.
Pakistan’s Record-Breaking Chase
After two disappointing batting performances in the previous matches, Pakistan’s new opening pair of Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Haris came out with an aggressive approach. The duo stitched together a breathtaking 74-run stand in just 35 balls, giving Pakistan their joint-fastest team fifty in T20I history (four overs).
Pakistan’s Batting Scorecard
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
| Hasan Nawaz | 105* | 45 | 10 | 7 |
| Mohammad Haris | 41 | 20 | 6 | 2 |
| Salman Agha | 51* | 32 | 6 | 2 |
| Total | 207/1 | 16.0 ov | – | – |
Hasan Nawaz, after a rough start in the series, exploded into form, bringing up the fastest T20I hundred by a Pakistani batter in just 44 balls. He dominated the bowlers with powerful strokes all around the park.
Key Moments of Pakistan’s Chase:
- Mohammad Haris’ Powerplay Blitz: Haris attacked Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy early on, hitting two sixes and setting the tempo for the chase.
- Nawaz’s Century: After struggling for timing early, Nawaz found his groove post powerplay and launched an all-out assault on New Zealand’s bowlers.
- Agha Salman’s Support Role: Playing his first T20I series as captain, Salman Agha played a composed innings, finishing the game alongside Nawaz.
With 65 runs scored in the last four overs, Pakistan completed the fastest 200-plus chase in T20I history.
Bowling Highlights: Haris Rauf Strikes Crucial Blows
Pakistan’s bowlers had a mixed outing, but Haris Rauf stood out with his fiery spell of 3-29. He dismissed Seifert, Mitchell, and Jamieson at key moments, preventing New Zealand from adding another 20-30 runs.
Pakistan’s Bowling Performance
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
| Haris Rauf | 4 | 29 | 3 |
| Shaheen Afridi | 4 | 36 | 2 |
| Abrar Ahmed | 4 | 34 | 2 |
| Shadab Khan | 4 | 40 | 1 |
| Others | – | – | – |
New Zealand’s middle-order collapse, triggered by quick strikes from Rauf and Abrar, ensured Pakistan had a manageable target.
Statistical Insights from the 3rd T20I
Top Run-Scorers in the Match
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
| Hasan Nawaz | 105* | 45 | 233.3 |
| Mark Chapman | 94 | 44 | 213.6 |
| Salman Agha | 51* | 32 | 159.3 |
| Michael Bracewell | 31 | 18 | 172.2 |
Fastest Hundreds by Pakistan Batters in T20Is
| Player | Balls | Opponent | Year |
| Hasan Nawaz | 44 | New Zealand | 2025 |
| Ahmed Shehzad | 48 | Bangladesh | 2014 |
| Babar Azam | 49 | South Africa | 2021 |
What’s Next?
With this stunning victory, Pakistan keeps their hopes alive in the series, reducing New Zealand’s lead to 2-1. The next two matches will be crucial in determining whether Pakistan can mount a full comeback or if New Zealand seals the series.
Pakistan will look to continue their momentum and rectify their past mistakes, while New Zealand will aim for a strong response in the fourth T20I.
