22-Year-Old Pak Cricketer Hits Fastest T20I Ton, Overthrows Babar Azam – ABP Live

Pakistan’s emerging star Hasan Nawaz lit up the third T20I against New Zealand with a record-breaking century, smashing 105 runs off just 45 balls.
He reached his hundred in just 44 deliveries, making it the fastest T20I century by a Pakistani batter, breaking Babar Azam’s 49-ball record set in 2021 against South Africa. Playing at a blistering strike rate of 233, Nawaz’s knock included 10 fours and 7 sixes, with 82 of his runs coming from boundaries alone.
Chasing New Zealand’s target of 205, Pakistan got off to a flying start as Nawaz and Mohammad Haris put up a 74-run opening partnership in just 5.5 overs. Haris chipped in with a quickfire 41 off 20 balls before Nawaz took charge, dismantling the Kiwi attack with his aggressive stroke play.
Pakistan’s bowlers set up the win by restricting New Zealand to 204 runs, thanks to standout performances from Haris Rauf (3 wickets) and Abbas Afridi (2 wickets).
In reply, Pakistan cruised to victory in just 16 overs, with captain Salman Agha anchoring the chase alongside Nawaz with an unbeaten 51 off 31 balls. This emphatic win kept Pakistan alive in the series after losing the first two matches of five-match T20I series.
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Babar Azam’s comeback to the T20I squad appears increasingly uncertain. Struggling with form across formats, Babar has faced criticism for his strike rate in T20Is and ODIs, while his Test performances have also been below expectations.
As a result, he was left out of Pakistan’s squad for the ongoing T20 series against New Zealand. Mohammad Rizwan, another experienced player, was also dropped from the T20 setup.
In their absence, young openers Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz have taken center stage, showcasing an ultra-aggressive approach. Hasan Nawaz, in particular, stunned New Zealand with a record-breaking century in the third T20I, while Haris provided a fiery start.
The pathway for Babar and Rizwan’s return looks increasingly difficult.
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