MULTAN: Pakistan’s cricket team kicked off their Asia Cup 2023 journey with a resounding victory, as their formidable bowling unit decimated Nepal and centuries from captain Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed paved the way for a convincing 238-run win at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
In a display of all-around dominance, the host team showcased their prowess in both batting and bowling to secure a comprehensive victory over Nepal. Pakistan posted an imposing total of 342 for 6 while batting first, with captain Babar Azam contributing a remarkable 151 runs and Iftikhar Ahmed adding an unbeaten 109. The two players orchestrated a partnership of 214 runs for the fifth wicket.
Asia Cup campaign begins in style! 💪
4️⃣ wickets for @76Shadabkhan as Pakistan achieve their third-highest margin of victory in ODIs ✨#PAKvNEP | #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/GmTk0tKCbp
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 30, 2023
With a substantial target of 343 runs set by Pakistan, Nepal faced a formidable challenge. The Pakistani bowlers made quick work of the opposition’s batting lineup, with Shaheen Shah Afridi leading the charge by taking two wickets in the very first over. Eventually, Nepal was bowled out for 104 runs.
Pakistan’s bowlers continued to impress, with Shadab Khan securing figures of 4/27 from his 6.4 overs. Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf also contributed with impactful spells, collectively dismantling the Nepal batting order. Although Aarif Sheikh and Sompal Kami attempted to delay the inevitable, Nepal’s innings came to an end in just 23.4 overs.
The victory marked a strong start for Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023, showcasing their determination to excel in the tournament. The team’s performance was built on the foundation of Babar Azam’s record-breaking century and Iftikhar Ahmed’s powerful batting display, which allowed them to set a formidable target and then effectively defend it.
Pakistan’s Asia Cup campaign holds significant importance as they entered the tournament on a high note, having recently secured the top spot in the ICC rankings for ODI teams after a convincing 3-0 series win against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka.
Both Nepal and the venue, Multan, made their debut in the Asia Cup, adding an element of novelty to the tournament. The victory over Nepal marked the first-ever match between Pakistan and Nepal at the top level, further adding to the significance of the occasion.
Thank you Multan for your support in Asia Cup's grand return to Pakistan 🤩#PAKvNEP | #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/D16j9r9YFV
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 30, 2023
Pakistan and Nepal’s Squads
Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Rohit Paudel (c), Aarif Sheikh, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
