After disappointing losses in the first two matches, Pakistan bounced back in the third T20I with a resounding victory against New Zealand, winning by 9 wickets in Auckland.
Hassan Nawaz smashed his maiden T20I century in just his third match, making him the main contributor to the team.
The Green Shirts won the toss and invited the home side to bat first. Pakistan started brilliantly by dismissing Finn Allen in the first over bowled by Shaheen Afridi.
The Kiwis made a strong comeback, as their star batter Mark Chapman scored 94 runs off 44 balls. Skipper Michael Bracewell contributed with a solid 31 runs off 18 balls. However, once Bracewell was dismissed, Pakistan regained their momentum and bowled out New Zealand for 204 runs in 19.5 overs.
Shaheen Afridi picked up 2 wickets for 36 runs in his 4 overs, while leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed also took 2 wickets. Haris Rauf stood out in Pakistan’s bowling attack, claiming 3 wickets for 29 runs.
In response, the Green Shirts started strongly, with opener Mohammad Haris scoring a quick-fire 41 runs off 20 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes. Hassan Nawaz played valiantly, smashing his maiden T20I century, while skipper Salman Ali Agha contributed 51 runs.
Both batters formed a match-winning partnership of 133 runs, successfully chasing down the target of 205 runs with just one wicket lost in 16 overs.
The Green Shirts gained massive confidence from this victory and will head into the fourth T20I at Mount Maunganui with their heads held high.
