Sharjah: Pakistan’s emerging batter, Hasan Nawaz, believes he is part of the “best T20 team” of the country after consecutive victories in the two initial matches of the ongoing tri-series in the United Arab Emirates.
In the tournament that is played as warm -up before the Asia Cup, which begins on September 9, Pakistan has begun with the blows of Afghanistan and the EAU thanks to several players involved with impressive contributions.
After the experienced pacemakers Haris Rauf and Captain Salman Ali Agha took Pakistan to a 39 -run victory over Afghanistan in the first game, Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz himself scored half centuries each to see the Eau side for 31 races.
The Eau party saw Pakistan cross the 200 mark when Hasan Nawaz launched a late attack after the opener Saim Ayub had prepared the stage. The fast player experienced Hasan Ali concluded the procedures with 3-47 when the 77 of Asif Khan of the Eau 77 of 35 were in vain.
Under White-Ball chief coach Mike Hesson, Pakistan is being built to the T20 World Cup next year without now discarded the older professionals Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan and Hasan Nawaz said that the young team was prepared for the next challenges.
“You see young people in front of you, everyone works very hard, even in the low season,” he told reporters after Saturday’s game.
“Honestly, I feel that this is Pakistan’s best T20 team … The plan is to win the Tri series and then, the Asia Cup too.”
Hasan Nawaz, reaching number six, broke 56 of 26, a blow with six six and two four, to boost Pakistan at 207. For the right born in Layyah, his freedom to go big came due to Saim’s coup by 69 of 38 (seven four and four six).
“At first, Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan had already established the pattern,” he said.
“So, my mentality was that we should now point to a bigger goal. There was not much time to settle, so the plan was to cross 200. I just played according to that plan.”
Pakistan considered his alignment of bowling to bring Hasan Ali and Salman Mirza instead of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris, the last duo played against Afghanistan.
Hasan Nawaz said that the changes pointed to a changing culture, where no player is considered the second option.
“I don’t see it as ‘bank strength’ because for me, all our players are the same,” said the 23 -year -old.
“Hasan Ali, for example, is a senior player, you can’t call him ‘bank strength’.
Pakistan will face Afghanistan again in his third Tri-Series match on Thursday. The tournament final is scheduled for September 7.
Posted in Dawn, September 1, 2025
