Out-of-favour Pakistan opener Ahmed Shahzad has hit back at the detractors over saying they don't have the talent to replace the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in T20s. The 33-year-old's statement comes after Hasan Nawaz's ton scripted a record-breaking nine-wicket win over New Zealand in the third T20I on Friday in Auckland.
The Men in Green came into the third T20I 0-2 down and needed to win on Friday to keep the series alive. However, the tourists faced a stiff task after conceding 204, keeping in mind their batting performances in the last two matches. Nevertheless, Nawaz and Haris stitched an opening stand of 74 in 5.5 overs to break the back of the run-chase.
Pakistan's bowlers deserve equal credit as they pulled it back brilliantly at the death as Haris Rauf led the way with figures of 4-0-29-3. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed and Abbas Afridi snared two scalps each.
Taking to X, Shahzad welcomed Nawaz to the club as the youngster became the third Pakistan batter to score a T20I hundred. He wrote:
"Hassan Nawaz welcome to the club buddy brilliant century… Haan bhai hai talent Pakistan main??? Kahan hain wo saare jo kehte hain k Pakistan main talent ni seniors ko replace krne ka? A tight slap from youngsters."
"I had so much backing and I am so grateful to my captain" - Hasan Nawaz
Having scored an unbeaten 45-ball 105*, the 22-year-old was inevitably the Player of the Match. The youngster massively credited Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan for encouraging him despite scoring ducks in successive games.
"The way I got out in first two matches, I was very disheartened, but captain and Shadab supported me, told me I am a match winning player and that helped me. I just had in my mind that I need to score a single first in international cricket and then after that I felt relaxed and the pressure was released. I had so much backing and I am so grateful to my captain."
Pakistan and New Zealand will play in the fourth T20I on March 23 at the Mount Maunganui.
