AUCKLAND: Pakistan opener Hasan Nawaz has expressed his thoughts after scoring a record-breaking century against New Zealand in the third T20I of the five-match series at Eden Park on Friday.
Chasing a daunting 205, Pakistan made it look effortless, reaching the target with 24 balls to spare and just one wicket down.
Openers Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz set the tone early, forging a 74-run stand that put the visitors in the driver’s seat.
Haris, in particular, was in explosive touch, smashing 41 off just 20 balls, including four fours and three sixes, before falling on the final delivery of the powerplay.
His departure, however, did little to slow Pakistan down. Skipper Salman Ali Agha joined Hasan at the crease, and the duo stitched together a magnificent unbeaten 133-run stand, ensuring a commanding victory.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
Hasan was the star of the night, hammering an unbeaten 101 off just 45 balls, decorated with 10 fours and seven sixes.
After receiving his Player of the Match award in the post-match presentation, Hasan Nawaz acknowledged the support from Pakistan’s captain and vice-captain, highlighting the performance in the opening two matches.
“I was disheartened with the way I got out in the first two games but the captain and Shadab Khan backed me to play my natural game,” he said.
“The only thing on my mind was to get a single first, and I relaxed after getting that first run in international cricket, ” Hasan concluded.
READ: Pakistan captain reflects on thumping victory over New Zealand