Hasan Nawaz credited Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and senior all-rounder Shadab Khan for their support after his record-breaking century led Pakistan to a nine-wicket win over New Zealand at Eden Park on Friday.
The 22-year-old opener, making his international debut series, endured a difficult start to his T20I career. He was dismissed for a duck in both of his first two innings, becoming just the sixth batter from a full-member nation to achieve the unwanted record in men’s T20I history.
However, Nawaz turned his fortunes around with a blistering 44-ball century, the fastest ever by a Pakistani in T20Is. His innings powered Pakistan to a commanding win and earned him the player of the match award.
Reflecting on his performance, Nawaz admitted he was initially disheartened by his poor start but received vital encouragement from his teammates.
“The way I got out in the first two matches, I was very disheartened, but the captain and Shadab supported me. They told me I am a match-winner, and that helped me,” Nawaz said at the post-match presentation.
“I just had in my mind that I need to score a single first in international cricket, and then I felt relaxed, and the pressure was released. I had so much backing, and I am so grateful to my captain.”
Nawaz, who hails from Layyah, a region with little history of professional cricket, spoke about his journey from tape-ball cricket to the international stage. He credited his family and mentors for their support in helping him achieve his childhood dream of representing Pakistan.
With his breakthrough performance, Nawaz has cemented his place as a promising prospect for Pakistan’s future.
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