Nawaz hits century as Pakistan thrash New Zealand

Rookie opener Hasan Nawaz smashed his maiden T20I ton as Pakistan thrashed New Zealand in the must-win third T20I at Eden Park, Auckland on Friday.

Playing only his third T20I, Nawaz, who had a back-to-back ducks in first T20Is, smashed seven maximums and 11 boundaries to score his maiden T20I century.

He took only 44 balls to complete the fastest T20I century by a Pakistani batter. The 22-year-old remained unbeaten on 105 off 45 balls.

He was well supported by captain Salman Ali Agha, who scored 51 off 31 not out as Pakistan chased down 205 in 16 overs with nine wickets in hand.

Mohammad Haris, who scored brisk 41 off 20 balls, was caught and bowled by Jacob Duffy.

Earlier, Mark Chapman smashed a brisk half-century as New Zealand set a 205-run target against Pakistan.

The left-hander stuck 11 boundaries and four maximums for his 44-ball 94. He was dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who ended up with the figures of 2 for 36 from his four overs.

Apart from Champan, skipper Michael Bracewell played a valuable knock of 31, while opener Tim Seifert and middle order batter Daryl Mitchell chipped in with 19 and 17 respectively.

They were bowled out for 204 in 19.5 overs.

Haris Rauf was the star of the show with the ball as he ended with the figures of three for 29 from his four over spell.

New Zealand lead the five-match series 2-1.