In a stunning display of power-hitting, Pakistan’s rising star Hasan Nawaz has etched his name into the history books by scoring the fastest T20I century for Pakistan, surpassing Babar Azam’s long-standing record. The explosive innings unfolded during a high-stakes match that left fans and critics alike in awe of the young batter’s raw talent and fearless approach.
Nawaz reached his century in a blistering 44 balls, eclipsing Babar Azam’s previous record of a 49-ball hundred set against South Africa in 2021. The 23-year-old opener’s knock was a masterclass in aggressive batting, laced with 10 fours and 7 sixes, as Pakistan chased down a daunting target with remarkable ease. His performance not only secured a commanding victory but also signaled the arrival of a new powerhouse in Pakistan’s T20 setup.
The match began with Pakistan’s bowlers setting the stage, restricting the opposition to a competitive total. However, it was Nawaz who stole the show, walking out to open the innings alongside Mohammad Haris. The pair put on a fiery 74-run stand in just the powerplay, with Haris contributing a quick 41 off 20 balls before departing. Nawaz, undeterred, continued his onslaught, reaching his fifty in just 26 balls before accelerating to the three-figure mark in record time.
What makes Nawaz’s achievement even more remarkable is his journey leading up to this moment. After scoring ducks in his first two T20I outings, the young batter faced scrutiny and doubts about his place in the side. But his response was emphatic—a record-shattering century that silenced critics and showcased his ability to thrive under pressure.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who played a supporting role with an unbeaten 51 off 31 balls, heaped praise on Nawaz post-match. “The way he played today was unreal. When someone bats like that, it lifts the whole team,” Agha said during the presentation ceremony. The duo’s unbroken 133-run partnership for the second wicket sealed the chase with overs to spare, keeping Pakistan’s hopes alive in the series.
Nawaz’s milestone has sparked widespread excitement among fans, with many drawing comparisons to Pakistan’s greatest T20 batters. Former opener Ahmed Shehzad took to social media to laud the youngster, calling his innings “a tight slap” to those questioning the depth of talent in Pakistan cricket. “This is just the beginning for Hasan. He’s got the hunger and the skill to go far,” Shehzad wrote.
The record-breaking knock also places Nawaz among an elite group of T20I centurions for Pakistan, a list that includes the likes of Babar Azam and Ahmed Shehzad. However, Nawaz’s 44-ball ton now stands as the benchmark, a testament to the evolving, aggressive brand of cricket Pakistan aims to play on the global stage.
As the series progresses, all eyes will be on Nawaz to see if he can maintain this scintillating form. For now, though, the cricketing world is abuzz with talk of a new star who has not only broken a record but also announced himself as a force to be reckoned with in international cricket. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, Nawaz’s emergence could be the spark Pakistan needs to ignite their campaign.
