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In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, young sensation Hasan Nawaz etched his name into Pakistan’s cricketing history by smashing the fastest T20I century for his nation. His unbeaten 105 off just 45 deliveries propelled Pakistan to a remarkable victory against New Zealand in the third T20I at Eden Park, Auckland, on March 21.
Hasan Nawaz’s explosive knock seals historic win for Pakistan in Auckland
Nawaz’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive yet calculated batting, laced with 10 exquisite boundaries and 7 towering sixes that left the Kiwi bowlers helpless. His blistering knock not only secured Pakistan’s triumph in a high-stakes encounter but also shattered the previous record held by Babar Azam for the fastest T20I hundred by a Pakistani batter.
Coming in at a crucial juncture, Nawaz showed incredible composure against a formidable New Zealand bowling attack. He paced his innings brilliantly, building momentum before launching an all-out assault in the latter half. His fearless approach and precise shot selection ensured that Pakistan successfully chased down the target with ease, stunning the home crowd at Eden Park.
With this historic innings, Hasan Nawaz has firmly announced his arrival on the international stage, drawing praise from fans and cricketing legends alike. His record-breaking ton has not only cemented his place in the national squad but also sparked excitement about his potential as the future of Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Lesser known facts about Pakistan’s T20I batting sensation Hasan Nawaz
1. A journey born in the streets of Layyah
Nawaz, born on August 21, 2002, in Layyah, South Punjab, is one of Pakistan’s rising cricket stars. His journey is nothing short of inspiring, coming from a region where not a single first-class cricketer had emerged before him. In a place where professional cricket was a distant dream, young Hasan found a way to hone his skills – by playing tape-ball cricket on the dusty streets of his village.
Since there were no proper facilities, he would gather boys from his village and offer them his pocket money – sometimes just 10 rupees – so they would bowl to him. This hunger for cricket, despite limited resources, shaped his game and instilled in him the determination to succeed.
2. The role of family in his success
Unlike many cricketers who come from sporting backgrounds, Nawaz’s family had no connection to cricket. In fact, they weren’t even interested in watching the sport until his matches started being broadcast on television. His elder brother supported his decision to move to Islamabad, though under the pretense of focusing on studies.
One of his biggest supporters was his sister, who lived in Islamabad. She played a crucial role in ensuring he could train regularly, dropping him off and picking him up from practice every single day, especially during the difficult times when he had nothing.
3. Facing his idols & looking ahead
Nawaz grew up idolizing Shoaib Malik, admiring his fitness and elegant batting style. One of his most surreal moments came when he faced Mohammad Amir, a bowler he had always admired. Facing Amir was a test of his skill, and he relished the opportunity to go up against one of Pakistan’s finest pacers. As a natural opener, Hasan has always focused on balancing aggression with stability. His goal is simple – cement his place in Pakistan’s T20I squad and eventually make a mark in ODIs and Tests.
Also READ: Fans erupt as Hasan Nawaz’s record-breaking century guides Pakistan to a dominant win against New Zealand in the 3rd T20I
4. A bold move: Leaving Layyah for Islamabad
With no serious cricket infrastructure in Layyah, Hasan knew that to achieve his dream of playing for Pakistan, he had to move to a bigger city. He relocated to Islamabad, where he joined Lucky Star Cricket Club to begin his professional journey. However, things weren’t easy at the start. In his first U-19 season, he didn’t get a single game, but instead of giving up, he worked harder.
His big break came when he joined Northern Pakistan’s First XI, making his debut against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where he impressed everyone by scoring 40-45 runs in his very first match. This performance marked the start of his rise in Pakistan’s domestic cricket.
5. Kashmir Premier League: A career-defining moment
Hasan’s career took a significant turn when he was picked to play in the Kashmir Premier League (KPL) for the Mirpur Royals. Playing alongside seasoned professionals and international cricketers, he made a name for himself by finishing as the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament. His aggressive, fearless, yet calculated approach earned him widespread recognition and paved the way for him to be included in Northern’s squad for the National T20 Cup.
6. Pakistan Super League (PSL) stint & learning from legends
Following his impressive domestic performances, Hasan Nawaz was picked by Islamabad United for Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 8. Although he played only three matches and scored 28 runs, it was an invaluable experience as he got the chance to share the dressing room with top cricketers.
His biggest takeaway from PSL came from Shadab Khan, who mentored him and taught him about the pressures of top-level cricket. Shadab gave him insights on how to handle the challenges of playing against world-class bowlers, a lesson that would later prove crucial in his international debut. Ahead of PSL 10, Nawaz was picked up by Quetta Gladiators, a testament to his growing stature as a talented batter. The Gladiators saw potential in him as a key player in their top order.
7. International debut: A century that announced his arrival
Hasan’s hard work paid off when he received his maiden international call-up for Pakistan’s T20I series against New Zealand in March 2025. It was a dream come true for the young cricketer, but things didn’t start well. In his first two T20Is, he struggled to make an impact, leading some to question his selection. However, true champions rise in the face of adversity, and Hasan did just that. In his third match, he silenced his critics with a stunning 105 off 45 balls, proving that he belonged at the highest level.
