Nawaz hits Pakistan's fastest T20 ton in win over NZ

• Recent in Sports
• England sack coach Lewis after Ashes humiliation
• Republic of Ireland can do 'a little better' after win - Hallgrimsson
• Switzerland controversies 'in past' - NI's McNair
• 'For him, for them' - Williams' family inspiration
• NI 'have to aspire' for World Cup qualification - O'Neill

Pursuing a tough target of 205, the opener delivered a remarkable unbeaten 105 off 45 balls, leading his team to triumph in the third T20 and keeping the five-match series competitive.

At just 22 years old, and only in his third international match after failing to score in his initial two outings, he achieved this milestone in 44 deliveries.

He formed a partnership of 74 runs with Mohammad Haris, who scored 41 off 20 balls, before the collaboration ended when Haris was caught behind off the bowling of Jacob Duffy.

Nawaz accelerated following the powerplay, reaching his fifty off 26 balls with the aid of a six.

While batting with captain Salman Agha, who scored 51 off 31 deliveries, Nawaz sealed the match with consecutive fours, first achieving his century and then finishing the game with four overs remaining.

Shahid Afridi holds the record for Pakistan's quickest century, which he scored in 37 balls against Sri Lanka during an ODI in 1996.

New Zealand must have felt optimistic about wrapping up the series swiftly after Michael Chapman scored 94 off 44 balls.

Nevertheless, Michael Bracewell (31 off 18) was the only other batsman for the home team to exceed 20 runs, while Haris Rauf took 3 wickets for 29 runs following Pakistan's decision to bowl after winning the toss.

New Zealand leads the series 2-1 ahead of the fourth match on Sunday at Mount Maunganui.

It was a disappointing day for fans in New Zealand, who had earlier witnessed their women’s team lose to Australia by eight wickets at Eden Park.