Cricket Highlights, March 21: Pakistan tour of New Zealand 2025 (3rd T20I) – NZ vs PAK

NZ vs PAK (3rd T20I) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling third T20I between NZ and PAK, played under the lights at Eden Park, Auckland, on March 21, 2025. Pakistan showcased a dominant performance, chasing down New Zealand’s formidable total of 204 with ease, winning by nine wickets with 24 balls to spare. The match featured explosive batting, strategic bowling, and a display of Pakistan’s aggressive intent, sealing a memorable victory in their tour of New Zealand. 

NZ, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, saw an early setback as Finn Allen fell for a duck to Shaheen Shah Afridi. Tim Seifert provided some quick runs but was dismissed for 19 off nine balls. The highlight of New Zealand’s innings was Mark Chapman’s sensational knock of 94 runs off just 44 deliveries. He played with flair, striking 11 boundaries and four sixes, taking the attack to Pakistan’s bowlers. Daryl Mitchell chipped in with 17 off 11 before being caught in the deep, while James Neesham and Mitchell Hay couldn’t make significant contributions.

Michael Bracewell, captaining the side, provided some much-needed momentum with a quickfire 31 off 18, but New Zealand’s lower order struggled against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling. Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf picked up two and three wickets respectively, restricting New Zealand to 204 in 19.5 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abbas Afridi also played crucial roles with the ball, taking two wickets each, ensuring that New Zealand couldn’t capitalize fully on Chapman’s brilliance.

PAK chase started with an explosive intent as Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz took the attack to the New Zealand bowlers. Haris smashed 41 off just 20 balls, setting the tone for the innings. Even after his dismissal, Hasan Nawaz continued the assault, crafting a magnificent century, remaining unbeaten on 105 from just 45 deliveries. His innings, laced with 10 fours and seven sixes, dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack.

Agha Salman, leading the side, provided the perfect support to Hasan Nawaz with an unbeaten 51 off 31 balls, ensuring there were no further hiccups in the chase. The duo stitched together a dominant partnership, guiding Pakistan home with remarkable ease. The New Zealand bowlers had no answers to Pakistan’s batting onslaught, with Kyle Jamieson conceding 54 runs in his four overs. Jacob Duffy managed to take the only wicket of the innings, but the rest of the bowling unit, including Ben Sears, Michael Bracewell, and Ish Sodhi, struggled to contain the scoring rate.

This victory marked a statement performance for Pakistan, showcasing their aggressive approach with the bat and their ability to restrict a strong batting lineup. Hasan Nawaz’s century was undoubtedly the highlight of the game, marking a significant moment in his international career. New Zealand, despite their strong total, will be disappointed with their bowling effort, which lacked penetration and control against Pakistan’s dominant batters.

New Zealand vs Pakistan Scoreboard

New Zealand – 204

Pakistan – 207/1 (16/20)

Result – Pakistan won by 9 wickets (with 24 balls remaining)

Player of the Match – Hasan Nawaz

NZ vs PAK Playing XIs

New Zealand

Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Hay (WK), Michael Bracewell (C), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears

Pakistan

Mohammad Haris (WK), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (C), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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