Sharjah – Pakistan’s rising star Hasan Nawaz has hailed the current squad as the country’s “best T20 team” after back-to-back victories in the opening matches of the tri-series being played in the United Arab Emirates.
The series, serving as a warm-up ahead of the Asia Cup starting on September 9, has seen Pakistan dominate both Afghanistan and the UAE with all-round team performances. Players across departments have stepped up, delivering match-winning contributions.
In the opening clash, Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by 39 runs, with skipper Salman Ali Agha anchoring the innings with a half-century and pacer Haris Rauf dismantling the opposition with four wickets.
Against the UAE, Pakistan once again showed depth in their lineup, posting a total of over 200 runs. Opener Saim Ayub laid a solid platform with a fluent half-century before Hasan Nawaz produced a late flourish, powering the innings with an explosive knock. The bowlers backed it up, with veteran pacer Hasan Ali finishing with figures of 3-47 to seal a 31-run win, despite UAE’s Asif Khan’s blazing 77 off 35 balls.
Reflecting on the back-to-back wins, Hasan Nawaz expressed confidence that this squad has the right mix of experience and youth to be remembered as Pakistan’s strongest-ever T20 side. Under the guidance of white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, Pakistan are shaping a new-look squad for next year’s T20 World Cup, moving forward without senior stalwarts Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Emerging batter Hasan Nawaz believes the youthful side is fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
Speaking to reporters after Saturday’s match, Hasan praised the work ethic of the squad: “You can see how committed the youngsters are. Every one of them puts in the effort, even during the off-season,” he said.
Hasan expressed confidence in the group’s potential, describing it as the best T20 team Pakistan has ever assembled. “The target is clear: we want to win this tri-series first and then, God willing, lift the Asia Cup as well,” he added.
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