Pakistan Thrash New Zealand by Nine Wickets to Seal Commanding Victory in 3rd T20I
Auckland, March 21, 2025 – Pakistan produced a dominant batting display to chase down a formidable target of 205 with ease, securing a resounding nine-wicket win over New Zealand in the third T20I at Eden Park. Hasan Nawaz’s explosive century and Salman Agha’s composed half-century powered Pakistan to victory with 24 balls to spare, keeping the visitors in control throughout the contest.
Chapman’s Brilliance Anchors New Zealand’s 204
After electing to bat first, New Zealand got off to a shaky start, losing Finn Allen for a duck in the first over to a fiery Shaheen Shah Afridi. Tim Seifert looked promising with a brisk 19 off 9 balls but fell victim to Haris Rauf in the fourth over. The real highlight of New Zealand’s innings was Mark Chapman, who single-handedly held the innings together with a stunning 94 off 44 deliveries, smashing 11 fours and 4 sixes.
Despite Chapman’s heroics, the hosts kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Daryl Mitchell (17 off 11) and Michael Bracewell (31 off 18) provided brief support, but Pakistan’s bowlers struck back at crucial moments. Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 29, while Shaheen Afridi (2 for 36) and Abrar Ahmed (2 for 43) ensured New Zealand were restricted to 204 in 19.5 overs.
Hasan Nawaz’s Carnage Leads Pakistan’s Chase
Pakistan’s response was emphatic, led by young sensation Hasan Nawaz, who delivered a breathtaking knock of 105* off just 45 balls, laced with 10 fours and 7 sixes. Opening alongside Mohammad Haris, the duo gave Pakistan a blazing start, amassing 74 runs inside six overs. Haris played an equally aggressive role, hammering 41 off 20 before falling to Jacob Duffy.
Captain Salman Agha then joined Nawaz at the crease and ensured the momentum never dipped. Playing with authority, Salman struck 51* off 31 balls, striking six boundaries and two sixes. The duo’s unbroken 133-run stand propelled Pakistan to 207/1 in just 16 overs, making light work of the daunting chase.
New Zealand’s bowlers had no answers to Pakistan’s onslaught, with Kyle Jamieson (0/54 in 4 overs) and Ben Sears (0/51 in 4 overs) bearing the brunt of the attack. Jacob Duffy was the only successful bowler, dismissing Haris but conceding 37 runs in his three overs.
Looking Ahead
With this emphatic win, Pakistan has not only gained momentum but also sent a strong statement ahead of the remainder of the series. New Zealand will need to regroup and reassess their bowling strategies to counter Pakistan’s aggressive approach in the upcoming matches.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand: 204 in 19.5 overs (Mark Chapman 94, Michael Bracewell 31; Haris Rauf 3/29, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2/36)
Pakistan: 207/1 in 16 overs (Hasan Nawaz 105*, Salman Agha 51*, Mohammad Haris 41; Jacob Duffy 1/37)
Result: Pakistan won by 9 wickets (with 24 balls remaining).