Pakistani speedster Haris Rauf left fans in awe on Friday (March 21) with a spectacular one-handed flying catch during the third T20I against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland. The incredible moment unfolded in the first over of the match, bowled by Shaheen Shah Afridi. New Zealand opener Finn Allen attempted a leg-side flick, but the ball went straight to Rauf, positioned at short fine leg.
In a display of pure athleticism, Rauf leapt to his right, stretching out his hand to grab a sensational catch that has since gone viral online. Finn Allen, a player known for his aggressive batting and a T20I century against Pakistan, found himself dismissed for a duck, facing just three deliveries. The early breakthrough set the tone for an intense clash between the two sides.
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Opting to bat first, New Zealand rode on Mark Chapman’s impressive 94 off 44 balls to post a challenging total of 204 in 19.5 overs. Chapman’s knock included 11 fours and 4 sixes, but the lack of support from the other end prevented the visitors from posting an even bigger score.
What a great catch by haris rauf 👏 wow 😲….
Ye kya dekh liya maine……
Aaj NZ waale ki baja do…#PAKvsNZ #PakistanCricket #BabarAzam𓃵 pic.twitter.com/EcumGgbagn— NOPE RAHMAN (@Rahman879792) March 21, 2025
What a catch, Haris Rauf 🔥🔥
🎥: @TenPakistan #PAKvNZ #PakistanCricket#BabarAzam #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/6ms5yXQvLB
— Hamza (@HamzaRevelion) March 21, 2025
For Pakistan, Haris Rauf shined not just with his fielding but also with the ball, delivering a solid spell of 3 for 29 in his four overs. Shaheen Afridi chipped in with two wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Abbas Afridi each claimed a couple, ensuring New Zealand didn’t go beyond 204. Chasing 205, Pakistan’s young sensation Hasan Nawaz stole the spotlight, smashing an unbeaten 105 from just 45 balls.
The 21-year-old opener’s blistering innings included 10 boundaries and 7 towering sixes, breaking Babar Azam’s record for the fastest T20I century for Pakistan, reaching the milestone in just 44 deliveries.
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Skipper Salman Ali Agha supported Nawaz with a solid 51 off 31 balls, guiding Pakistan to a dominant victory in just 16 overs, securing the series win in style. Rauf’s spectacular catch and Nawaz’s record-breaking century will undoubtedly be etched in fans’ memories for years to come, showcasing the exciting talent emerging from Pakistan cricket.
