Auckland, Mar 21 (UNI) Pakistan's opening batter Hasan Nawaz struck the fastest T20 International hundred for Pakistan blasting the existing record of Babar Azam in the third match of the ongoing series against New Zealand.

Nawaz slammed his maiden T20I ton off 44 deliveries.

Playing in just his third T20I, Nawaz stole the spotlight with a blistering, unbeaten 45-ball 105, leading the charge with the bat as Pakistan chased down New Zealand’s 204 in just 16 overs.

The 22-year-old, who had registered two ducks on the trot in his first two T20Is, bounced back strongly to etch his name in the Pakistan record books, according to an ICC media release.

The record-breaking ton – which came off 44 balls – was the fastest-ever by a Pakistan batter and sixth hundred overall in Men's T20Is for the Men in Green. Nawaz bettered former skipper Babar Azam, whose ton against South Africa in 2021 came off 49 balls.

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Fastest 100 for Pakistan in Men's T20Is (by balls faced)

Player Opposition Balls

Hasan Nawaz New Zealand 44

Babar Azam South Africa 49

Ahmed Shehzad Bangladesh 58

Babar Azam New Zealand 58

Babar Azam England 62

Nawaz’s outstanding performance included 10 fours and seven sixes at the top of the order, as Pakistan lost just the single wicket of Mohammad Haris (41) in the run-chase.

The batter reached his half-century off just 26 balls, combining with Haris as Pakistan got off to a rapid start by forging a 74-run stand in just 5.5 overs.

Nawaz didn’t slow down from that point, racing his way to his century off just the next 18 deliveries.

The batter also smashed Pakistan’s highest-ever individual score against New Zealand in Men's T20Is, once again bettering Babar's 101 in Lahore in 2023. UNI XC SSP