Hasan Nawaz — the rise of newest cricket kid

ISLAMABAD: Once an unrecognized talent, Hasan Nawaz’s journey to cricketing stardom began at the age of 14 when he was picked up by Lashings Club. What started as a quiet entry into Islamabad’s cricket scene soon transformed into an electrifying rise, culminating in a record-breaking international performance.

After struggling in his first two T20 Internationals, Hasan announced his arrival in spectacular fashion, smashing the fastest T20 century for Pakistan. His breathtaking 44-ball hundred, laced with seven towering sixes and nine exquisite boundaries, not only silenced his critics but also secured Pakistan’s first victory on the tour. To top it off, he struck the winning boundary, sealing his place as a rising star.

Hasan’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. Originally from Layyah district in Southern Punjab, he moved to Islamabad in his early teens but was overlooked by local clubs. It was the sharp eyes at Lashings Club that spotted his raw talent at Mr. Tahir Academy nets.

They took him under their wings, giving him a platform in the Islamabad Cricket Association (ICA) League, where he flourished for six years before joining Lucky Star. His first major breakthrough came in the 2017-18 ICA League, where he hammered an astonishing 150-run innings for Lashings Club against Al-Fatah Club, making his name impossible to ignore.

He later went on to represent ICA at the Under-19 level, proving that his talent was destined for greater heights. Tehseenullah, President of Lashings Club, recalls Hasan’s early days with confidence.

“Even in his early teens, we knew he had something special. That’s why we picked him ahead of senior players. His potential was undeniable, and I’m not surprised to see him making a mark at the international level.”

He added that those who knew the game well were pretty aware of the talent he possessed even in his early teens. “No one possibly is happier than me and Lashings Mentor to see Hasan making a mark in his third T20 International.

His innings was a treat to watch. Even at club level, representing Lashings he played many exciting innings,” Tehseen said. Hasan also left his mark in the Kashmir Premier League, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and deliver match-winning performances. Following his game-changing innings, an emotional Hasan credited his success to his teammates.

“After failing to score in the first two matches, even getting that first run felt like a huge challenge. But my captain, Agha Salman, and Shadab Khan supported me, telling me that I was a match-winner and they believed in me.

That faith gave me the confidence to play my natural game.” With a stunning performance now under his belt, Hasan Nawaz has announced his arrival on the international stage. If this is just the beginning, Pakistan may have found its next cricketing superstar.

Fastest Centuries for Pakistan in T20 Internationals: Hasan Nawaz: 44-ball vs New Zealand at Auckland (March-2025)

Babar Azam; (49-ball vs South Africa, Centurion 2021)

Ahmad Shahzad (58 balls vs Bangladesh, Dhaka 2014)

Babar Azam: (58-ball vs New Zealand, Lahore 2023).