On March 21, 2025, at Eden Park, Auckland, Pakistan secured a convincing 9-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third T20I, keeping the five-match series alive. Pakistan chased down 205 in just 16 overs, thanks to Hasan Nawaz‘s blistering century and support from Mohammad Haris and Salman Agha. This win reduced New Zealand’s lead to 2-1, setting the stage for an exciting finish.
New Zealand, batting first, posted 204/10 in 19.5 overs, with Mark Chapman’s 94 being the standout performance. However, their middle order struggled, and Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi, restricted them effectively. Pakistan’s chase was dominated by Nawaz’s unbeaten 105 off 45 balls, the fastest T20I century for Pakistan, off 44 balls, ensuring a comfortable victory
Match Background and Context
The third T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan, part of Pakistan’s tour in 2025, was held on March 21, 2025, at Eden Park, Auckland. This match was crucial as New Zealand led the five-match series 2-0 after winning the first two games, making it a must-win for Pakistan to stay in contention. The toss was won by Pakistan, who elected to field, a decision that paid dividends given the conditions and their bowling strategy.
New Zealand had dominated the first two matches, winning by 9 wickets on March 16 and by 5 wickets on March 18, both in convincing fashion. This third match, therefore, was Pakistan’s opportunity to mount a comeback, and the result has indeed shifted the momentum, with the series now at 2-1 in favor of New Zealand, with two matches remaining.
Pakistan’s fiery bowling unit floors New Zealand
New Zealand, asked to bat first, started poorly, losing Finn Allen for a duck in the first over to Shaheen Afridi. Tim Seifert and Mark Chapman then built a partnership of 40 runs, with Seifert scoring a brisk 19 off 9 balls before being dismissed by Haris Rauf. Chapman, however, was the star, smashing 94 off 44 balls, including 11 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing his T20 prowess.
New Zealand Batting Line Up. Pic Credits: ESPNcricinfo
Michael Bracewell contributed 31 off 18, but the middle order, including Daryl Mitchell (17 off 11) and James Neesham (3 off 7), failed to build on the momentum. The lower order added some late runs, with Ish Sodhi scoring 10 off 10 and Ben Sears 7 off 4, but New Zealand were all out for 204 in 19.5 overs.
Pakistan Bowling Line Up. Pic Credits: ESPNcricinfo
Pakistan’s bowling was led by Haris Rauf, who took 3/29, dismissing Seifert, Bracewell, and Sodhi, while Shaheen Afridi took 2/36, including Allen early. Abbas Afridi supported with 2/24, ensuring wickets at regular intervals, which prevented New Zealand from posting a higher total. The bowling effort was a significant improvement from the first two matches, where Pakistan had struggled to contain New Zealand’s batsmen. Pakistan bowled 40 dot balls which is massive in T20I cricket & that was a defining moment.
Hasan Nawaz’ barnstorming ton outfoxes Black Caps
In the chase, Pakistan’s openers, Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Haris, set the tone. Haris scored a quick 41 off 20 balls, with 4 fours and 3 sixes, before being dismissed. Nawaz, however, was unstoppable, reaching his century off just 44 balls, the fastest T20I hundred for Pakistan, surpassing Babar Azam’s 49-ball effort against South Africa in 2021.
Pakistan Batting Line Up. Pic Credits: ESPNcricinfo
Nawaz finished unbeaten on 105 off 45 balls, with 10 fours and 7 sixes, while Salman Agha remained not out on 51 off 31, with 6 fours and 2 sixes. Their partnership of 133 runs off 61 balls sealed the victory, with Pakistan reaching 207/1 in 16 overs, winning by 9 wickets with 24 balls to spare.
New Zealand Bowling Line Up. Pic Credits: ESPNcricinfo
New Zealand’s bowlers were whacked around the park. In the first 2 T20Is, New Zealand toyed with Pakistan’s bowling unit and in 3rd T20I match, Pakistan returned the favor. It seemed as if book-cricket was going on when Pakistan team was at the crease.
Key Points
Pakistan won the 3rd T20I against New Zealand on March 21, 2025, by 9 wickets with 24 balls remaining.
The match took place at Eden Park, Auckland, with Pakistan chasing 205 in 16 overs.
Hasan Nawaz scored an unbeaten 105 off 45 balls, earning Player of the Match.
New Zealand scored 204/10, led by Mark Chapman’s 94 off 44 balls.
The series score is now 2-1 in favor of New Zealand, with two matches left.
Player Performances
Hasan Nawaz’s innings was the highlight, scoring 105* with 10 fours and 7 sixes, supported by Mohammad Haris’s 41 off 20 and Salman Agha’s 51* off 31. For New Zealand, Mark Chapman scored 94 off 44, while Michael Bracewell added 31 off 18. Bowling-wise, Haris Rauf took 3/29 and Shaheen Afridi 2/36 for Pakistan, with New Zealand’s bowlers struggling, as Kyle Jamieson conceded 54 runs without a wicket.
Unexpected Detail: Record-Breaking Century
An unexpected Hasan Nawaz’s record-breaking century, not only his first in T20Is but also the fastest for Pakistan, off 44 balls. This performance, against a strong New Zealand side, underscores his potential as a game-changer, adding a new dimension to Pakistan’s T20 strategy.
This victory has revitalized Pakistan’s campaign, with the series now at 2-1 in favor of New Zealand. The fourth and fifth matches will be critical, with Pakistan looking to level the series and New Zealand aiming to secure the series win. Nawaz’s form and the bowling improvements, particularly from Rauf and Afridi, suggest Pakistan could mount a strong challenge.
For New Zealand, addressing their middle-order fragility and improving their bowling discipline will be key, especially after conceding 207 in the chase. The match also highlighted the high-scoring nature of Eden Park, with a match aggregate of 411 runs, the highest involving New Zealand and Pakistan in T20Is, adding to the spectacle for fans.
