Hasan Nawaz demolishes Babar Azam's all-time record in just his 3rd T20I

Pakistan opener Hasan Nawaz showed his blistering batting ability during the third T20I against New Zealand in Auckland. The youngster was in breathtaking hitting form during the match as he took Pakistan home with ease in the end.

Hasan Nawaz came into this match on the back of two ducks in the first two matches of the series, which also marked the start of his international career. He also faced plenty of criticism for his shot selection.

But the youngster was still backed by Pakistan's team management and he returned the favor with a scintillating knock that left New Zealand's bowlers with no answers. In the process, the young opener also broke the record of Babar Azam.

Also read: 'Hasan Nawaz has already played bigger T20 knock than Babar, Rizwan' - Fans in awe of youngster's historic ton

Hasan Nawaz breaks Babar Azam's record

Hasan Nawaz, that is special! 🌟

He's broken Babar Azam's record (49 balls) for the fastest men's T20I century by a Pakistan batter 🔥#NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/ZWO4TOgYw1

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) March 21, 2025

Hasan Nawaz completed his hundred off just 44 balls. He reached the milestone with a fine shot bisecting fine leg and midwicket for a four. It was a stunning knock from a youngster who was coming into this match under tremendous pressure.

In the process, Nawaz broke the record of Babar Azam, who held the record for the fastest T20I century by a Pakistani cricketer. Babar had reached the three-figure mark against South Africa off 49 balls in Centurion in the year 2021.

However, Nawaz went a step ahead of him and now holds the record of the fastest hundred by a Pakistani. The fact that he achieved this milestone in just his third international match, shows his immense talent and potential.

Pakistan stay alive in the series

It was a stunning knock from a player who has already shown a lot of promise for the future. Nawaz came into this match under a lot of pressure as he had not even scored a single run in his first two matches.

But he continued to display his aggressive instincts which became the reason for his downfall in the first two games. He counter-attacked New Zealand's bowlers and didn't allow them to settle down.

He formed a first-wicket partnership of 74 runs in just 5.5 overs with the wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris. Despite Haris being dismissed for a quickfire 20-ball-41, Hasan carried on with his blistering show and continued to dominate New Zealand's attack.

Skipper Salman Ali Agha gave him good company from the other end and finished with an unbeaten 51 off just 31 balls. Hasan Nawaz finished the game fittingly with a four to the deep third boundary. He finished unbeaten on 105 off 45 balls with 10 fours and 7 sixes.

NZ post challenging total

Earlier, New Zealand had scored a challenging total of 204 in the first innings. Mark Chapman struck a magnificent 94 off just 44 balls with 11 fours and 4 sixes. Tim Seifert and Michael Bracewell also made valuable contributions with the bat.

With this win, Pakistan keep the five-match T20I series alive. The series is now 2-1 in favor of New Zealand with two more matches to be played. The next game will be played at Mount Maunganui on March 23.