The 3rd T20I between Pak vs NZ on March 21, 2025, at Eden Park, Auckland, was a spectacle of aggressive cricket. Pakistan’s Hasan Nawaz turned heads with a blistering 105 not out off 45 balls, securing a nine-wicket win. After scoring ducks in his first two T20I outings, Nawaz’s maiden century came in just 44 balls—the fastest by a Pakistani in the format. Chasing 205, Pakistan finished in 16 overs, marking the quickest 200-plus chase in T20I history.
Nawaz hit 10 fours and 7 sixes, while Salman Agha’s unbeaten 51 off 31 complemented the onslaught. This victory trimmed New Zealand’s series lead to 2-1. Nawaz’s journey from tape-ball cricket in Layyah to this record-breaking knock reflects his resilience. With 411 runs scored in the match, it showcased both teams’ batting firepower, setting the stage for an electrifying series continuation.
NZ vs Pak, 3rd T20I at Auckland, NZ vs PAK, Mar 21 2025 – Full Scorecard
Pakistan won by 9 wickets (with 24 balls remaining)
New Zealand  (20 ovs maximum)
| Batting | R | B | M | 4s | 6s | SR | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tim SeifertÂ
|
c Agha Salman b Haris Rauf | 19 | 9 | 19 | 1 | 2 | 211.11 | ||
|
Finn AllenÂ
|
c Haris Rauf b Shaheen Shah Afridi | 0 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | ||
|
Mark ChapmanÂ
|
c Shadab Khan b Shaheen Shah Afridi | 94 | 44 | 59 | 11 | 4 | 213.63 | ||
|
Daryl MitchellÂ
|
c Haris Rauf b Shadab Khan | 17 | 11 | 25 | 1 | 1 | 154.54 | ||
|
James NeeshamÂ
|
lbw b Abbas Afridi | 3 | 7 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 42.85 | ||
|
Mitchell Hay â€
|
b Abrar Ahmed | 9 | 8 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 112.50 | ||
|
Michael Bracewell (c)
|
b Haris Rauf | 31 | 18 | 26 | 3 | 2 | 172.22 | ||
|
Kyle JamiesonÂ
|
b Abrar Ahmed | 0 | 1 | – | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | ||
|
Ish SodhiÂ
|
c †Mohammad Haris b Haris Rauf | 10 | 10 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 100.00 | ||
|
Jacob DuffyÂ
|
c Irfan Khan b Abbas Afridi | 2 | 4 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 | ||
|
Ben SearsÂ
|
not out | 7 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 175.00 | ||
| Extras | (b 4, lb 4, w 4) | 12 | |||||||
| Total |
19.5 Ov (RR: 10.28, 99 Mins)
|
204 | |||||||
|
Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Finn Allen, 0.5 ov), 2-43 (Tim Seifert, 4.1 ov), 3-98 (Daryl Mitchell, 9.1 ov), 4-135 (James Neesham, 11.5 ov), 5-141 (Mark Chapman, 12.5 ov), 6-164 (Mitchell Hay, 14.5 ov), 7-164 (Kyle Jamieson, 14.6 ov), 8-193 (Michael Bracewell, 18.2 ov), 9-194 (Ish Sodhi, 18.4 ov), 10-204 (Jacob Duffy, 19.5 ov)
|
|||||||||
New Zealand – Key Moments
Milestone/Event |
Details |
|---|---|
Powerplay (Overs 0.1 – 6.0) |
58 runs, 2 wickets |
50 Runs |
5.2 overs (32 balls), Extras 2 |
MS Chapman 50 |
29 balls (7 x 4, 1 x 6) |
3rd Wicket Partnership |
50 runs in 29 balls (Chapman 38, Mitchell 17, Extras 0) |
Drinks Break |
98/3 in 9.1 overs (Chapman 60) |
100 Runs |
9.4 overs (58 balls), Extras 2 |
150 Runs |
13.6 overs (84 balls), Extras 8 |
200 Runs |
18.6 overs (114 balls), Extras 10 |
Innings Break |
204/10 in 19.5 overs (BV Sears 7) |
Bowling |
O |
M |
R |
W |
ECON |
0s |
4s |
6s |
WD |
NB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shaheen Shah Afridi
|
4 |
0 |
36 |
2 |
9.00 |
8 |
6 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
Abrar Ahmed
|
3 |
0 |
43 |
2 |
14.33 |
6 |
2 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
Haris Rauf
|
4 |
0 |
29 |
3 |
7.25 |
8 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
Abbas Afridi
|
2.5 |
0 |
24 |
2 |
8.47 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Shadab Khan
|
4 |
0 |
33 |
1 |
8.25 |
9 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Khushdil Shah
|
1 |
0 |
18 |
0 |
18.00 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
Salman Agha
|
1 |
0 |
13 |
0 |
13.00 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
Pakistan  (T: 205 runs from 20 ovs)
| Batting | R | B | M | 4s | 6s | SR | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mohammad Haris â€
|
c †Hay b Duffy | 41 | 20 | 25 | 4 | 3 | 205.00 | ||
|
Hasan NawazÂ
|
not out | 105 | 45 | 74 | 10 | 7 | 233.33 | ||
|
Salman Agha (c)
|
not out | 51 | 31 | 48 | 6 | 2 | 164.51 | ||
| Extras | (lb 5, w 5) | 10 | |||||||
| Total |
16 Ov (RR: 12.93, 74 Mins)
|
207/1 | |||||||
|
Did not bat:Â Irfan Khan,Â
Shadab Khan,Â
Abdul Samad,Â
Khushdil Shah,Â
Abbas Afridi,Â
Shaheen Shah Afridi,Â
Haris Rauf,Â
Abrar AhmedÂ
|
|||||||||
|
Fall of wickets:Â 1-74Â (Mohammad Haris, 5.5 ov)
|
|||||||||
Pakistan’s Key Performance
Milestone/Event |
Details |
|---|---|
Powerplay (Overs 0.1 – 6.0) |
75 runs, 1 wicket |
50 Runs |
3.6 overs (24 balls), Extras 3 |
1st Wicket Partnership |
50 runs in 24 balls (Haris 29, Nawaz 19, Extras 3) |
100 Runs |
8.1 overs (49 balls), Extras 3 |
Hasan Nawaz 50 |
26 balls (4 x 4, 4 x 6) |
Drinks Break |
124/1 in 10.0 overs (Nawaz 69, Agha 10) |
2nd Wicket Partnership (50) |
50 runs in 25 balls (Nawaz 39, Agha 10, Extras 1) |
150 Runs |
12.2 overs (74 balls), Extras 5 |
2nd Wicket Partnership (100) |
100 runs in 47 balls (Nawaz 50, Agha 48, Extras 2) |
Agha Salman 50 |
30 balls (6 x 4, 2 x 6) |
200 Runs |
15.5 overs (95 balls), Extras 10 |
Hasan Nawaz 100 |
44 balls (9 x 4, 7 x 6) |
Bowling |
O |
M |
R |
W |
ECON |
0s |
4s |
6s |
WD |
NB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kyle Jamieson
|
4 |
0 |
54 |
0 |
13.50 |
6 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
Jacob Duffy
|
3 |
0 |
37 |
1 |
12.33 |
6 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
Ben Sears
|
4 |
0 |
51 |
0 |
12.75 |
7 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
Michael Bracewell
|
2 |
0 |
23 |
0 |
11.50 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
Ish Sodhi
|
2 |
0 |
28 |
0 |
14.00 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
James Neesham
|
1 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
9.00 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
Match Analysis
Pakistan’s emphatic nine-wicket victory over New Zealand in the 3rd T20I was a statement of intent. Hasan Nawaz, after two ducks, unleashed a 44-ball century, the fastest for Pakistan in T20Is. His 105 not out, laced with 10 fours and 7 sixes, dismantled New Zealand’s attack. The chase of 205, completed in 16 overs, broke South Africa’s 2007 record of 17.4 overs for a 200-plus target, unlike Zimbabwe which defended low totals against India.
Nawaz and Mohammed Haris kicked off with a 74-run stand in 35 balls, Pakistan’s joint-fastest fifty coming in four overs. Haris fell for 41, but Nawaz found an ally in captain Salman Agha, who scored an unbeaten 51. Their 133-run partnership was relentless, exploiting Eden Park’s short boundaries—84 runs came between deep third and fine leg.
New Zealand’s Mark Chapman had earlier smashed 94 off 44, with 11 fours and 4 sixes, but Michael Bracewell’s 31 was the next best. Haris Rauf’s 3-29 and double-wicket overs from Rauf and Abrar Ahmed curbed New Zealand’s momentum. Pakistan’s fearless approach, backed by Agha and Shadab Khan, shone through, keeping the series alive at 1-2.
Nawaz’s Form Boosts Pakistan’s Confidence
Hasan Nawaz’s stunning century could ignite Pakistan’s campaign in the remaining T20Is. His 105 not out off 45 balls erased doubts from his earlier ducks. This knock, Pakistan’s fastest T20I hundred, might inspire the team to adopt a bolder batting style. Cricket is a funny game even teams like India have lost to B level teams like Zimbabwe in the 2024 in Harare.
With Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman set to return, Pakistan’s top order looks potent. Nawaz’s 7 sixes and 10 fours suggest he thrives under pressure, a trait vital for big chases.
If he maintains this aggression, Pakistan could level the series. The 75-run powerplay, their best ever, shows a shift to modern T20 tactics. Agha’s backing might now yield a fearless unit ready to dominate.
New Zealand’s Bowling Faces Scrutiny
New Zealand’s bowlers might face tough questions after leaking 205 in 16 overs. Mark Chapman’s 94 set a strong platform, but their attack faltered badly. Only Jacob Duffy took a wicket, dismissing Haris for 41. Nawaz’s 17 boundaries exposed a lack of control, worsened by dew and Eden Park’s dimensions.
Pakistan’s 12 sixes, their joint-second-most in a T20I, highlight the issue. If bowlers like Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears don’t adapt, New Zealand risks losing their 2-1 lead. Strategic tweaks are crucial for the next game.
Pakistan’s T20 Revival Sparks to Life
Pakistan’s nine-wicket win signals a bold new era in their T20 cricket journey after their disappointing loss to India in CT 2025. Hasan Nawaz’s record century and fearless batting reflect a shift under Salman Agha’s leadership. This section explores how Pakistan is rediscovering their T20 edge.
Nawaz’s 105 not out off 45 balls broke records and doubts. The 16-over chase of 205 was a T20I first. Support from Agha and Haris shows growing depth. Backed by management, this aggressive style could redefine Pakistan. The series remains alive with promise.
New Zealand’s Batting Firepower Falls Short
Mark Chapman’s explosive 94 off 44 balls gave New Zealand hope in the 3rd T20I. Despite setting a challenging 204, their bowlers couldn’t contain Pakistan’s onslaught. This section examines how New Zealand’s batting shone but lacked support to seal the game.
Chapman smashed 11 fours and 4 sixes, dominating Pakistan’s attack. Michael Bracewell added 31 off 18 to push past 200. Early losses like Finn Allen’s duck hurt momentum. Pakistan’s chase exposed New Zealand’s bowling frailties on a flat pitch. Their 2-1 lead now hangs in the balance.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s nine-wicket triumph in the 3rd T20I on March 21, 2025, was defined by Hasan Nawaz’s heroics. His 105 not out off 45 balls, with a 44-ball century, eclipsed Babar Azam’s 49-ball record. After ducks in his first two T20Is, Nawaz’s turnaround was stunning, driving Pakistan to chase 205 in a record 16 overs.
His 74-run stand with Haris (41) and 133 with Agha (51*) showcased a new, fearless Pakistan. Nawaz’s journey—from Kashmir Premier League star to T20 Champions Cup standout—culminated in this 411-run thriller. Mark Chapman’s 94 couldn’t save New Zealand as Rauf’s 3-29 stood out. With 75 powerplay runs and 84 behind the wicket, Pakistan’s aggression signals a thrilling series ahead.
