Hassan Nawaz’s blistering maiden ton keeps series alive

Hassan Nawaz's Blistering Maiden Ton Keeps Series Alive

Pakistan's Hassan Nawaz made a stunning 44-ball century, the fastest for Pakistan in T20Is, as they defeated New Zealand by nine wickets at Eden Park, Auckland. Set a target of 205, Pakistan rode on Nawaz's carnage and able contributions from Agha Salman (51* off 31) and Mohammad Haris (41 off 20) to get the job done in just 16 overs, keeping the five-match series alive with New Zealand leading 2-1.

Mark Chapman's 94 off 44 led New Zealand's charge earlier, but Pakistan's ground fielding was sloppy and they just about hung in there with timely strikes. Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed then strengthened Pakistan's grip with a double strike, and the visitors' chase was set up by Nawaz and Haris's aggressive batting.