Auckland, March 21, 2025: Pakistan overpowered New Zealand by nine wickets in the third T20I at Eden Park, keeping the series alive at 1-2. Chasing a daunting target of 205, Pakistan reached 207/1 in just 16 overs, displaying an explosive batting performance.
Hasan Nawaz was the star of the night, smashing an unbeaten 105 off 45 balls, steering Pakistan to victory at an astonishing run rate of 12.93. Skipper Agha Salman provided solid support with a composed 51* off 31 deliveries, ensuring a dominant chase. Mohammad Haris also played a blistering knock of 41 off 20 balls before falling to Jacob Duffy (1/37), the only New Zealand bowler to claim a wicket.
New Zealand’s bowling attack struggled to contain Pakistan’s aggressive batting. Kyle Jamieson (0/54) and Ben Sears (0/51) proved expensive, failing to make an impact.
Earlier, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 204, thanks to a brilliant 94 off 44 balls by Mark Chapman. His innings, studded with 11 fours and 4 sixes, kept New Zealand in command for much of their batting effort.
Pakistan, opting to field first, made early inroads as Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Finn Allen for a duck. Tim Seifert chipped in with a quick 19 before falling to Haris Rauf. Chapman then took charge, anchoring New Zealand’s innings with a steady partnership alongside Daryl Mitchell (17). Despite wickets tumbling at the other end, Chapman’s aggressive stroke play helped the hosts cross the 200-run mark.
Haris Rauf was Pakistan’s standout bowler, finishing with impressive figures of 3/29 in four overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abrar Ahmed claimed two wickets each, while Abbas Afridi contributed with 2/24. Late cameos from Michael Bracewell (31) and Ish Sodhi (10) pushed New Zealand to a competitive total.
With this emphatic victory, Pakistan keeps the five-match series alive at 1-2. The fourth T20I, scheduled for Sunday, March 23, will be a crucial contest as Pakistan aims to level the series, while New Zealand will look to seal the series win at home.
