Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed Power Pakistan To Huge Win Over Nepal In Asia Cup Opener

30.08.2023 - 16:59 sports.ndtv.com

Skipper Babar Azam hit a delightful 151 while Iftikhar Ahmed smashed his maiden ODI century as Pakistan thrashed minnows Nepal by 238 runs in the opening match of the Asia Cup in Multan on Wednesday.

Babar and Iftikhar played pivotal roles in powering Pakistan to 342 for six after opting to bat. Babar (151 off 130) was involved in two crucial partnerships after a sedate start — first stitching 86 runs with Mohammad Rizwan (44 off 50) and then sharing a whirlwind 214 runs for the fifth wicket with Iftikhar (109 not out off 71 balls) — to take Pakistan to an imposing total.

Babar decorated his knock with 14 fours and four sixes, while Iftikhar, who was at his destructive best, struck 11 boundaries and four hits over the fence.

This was after Pakistan made an unimpressive start to their innings as they lost both the openers early. It was always going to be a Herculean task for Nepal and it turned out to be so.

cricket Pakistan Cricket Team win cup Babar Azam Shaheen Shah Afridi Iftikhar Ahmed Shadab Khan Pakistan Nepal county Power

Indian cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to bat during the Asia Cup 2023 match against Pakistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Rohit's Pakistan counterpart - Babar Azam - was left disappointed at the outcome as he would have opted to bat as well but made it clear that they will do their best to make the most of the situation. Pakistan made no changes to their playing XI which comprehensively defeated Nepal in the first match of the competition. (India vs Pakistan, Live Updates)

India vs Pakistan: Pakistan Reveal Playing XI Ahead Of Asia Cup 2023 Match Against India

The India vs Pakistan match is one of the most highly-anticipated encounter in world cricket and with the two sides facing each other in Asia Cup 2023 on Sunday, fans around the world are eagerly waiting for the contest. A lot of speculation has surrounded India's team composition ahead of the tournament but Pakistan have decided to announce their playing XI one day ahead of the match. During the pre-match press conference, skipper Babar Azam said that they will not be making any changes to the side that comprehensively defeated Nepal in the opening match of the competition.

Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: The Contest That Might Decide India Vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Clash - What Stats Say

Virat Kohli and Babar Azam - They are two protagonists of the season's first India vs Pakistan clash, an Asia Cup 2023 match set to take place on September 2. Together they are the brightest of batting talents in the sob-continents. They are proven performers for the Indian and Pakistan cricket teams and their performances with the bat will go on to decide the Asia Cup 2023 clash on Saturday in Sri Lanka. The contest will also give the teams confidence ahead of the Cricket World Cup.

Who Will Trouble Babar Azam? Kaif Picks This Indian Bowler. It's Not Jasprit Bumrah

Former Indian cricket team star Mohammed Kaif believes that pacer Mohammed Shami can cause problems for Babar Azam when India take on Pakistan in their first match of Asia Cup 2023 on Saturday. In a recent interaction, Kaif explained that Shami managed the bowling well when Jasprit Bumrah was out of action due to injury and with the fast bowler enjoying a good run of form, he can prove to be a key asset for the Rohit Sharma-led side in the high-voltage match against Pakistan.

Babar Azam Scripts Huge Asia Cup Record, Goes Past Virat Kohli In Elite List

Pakistan captain Babar smashed a stunning 151 off 131 balls to set up a big win for his team in the Asia Cup opener against Nepal in Multan on Wednesday. During his knock, Babar achieved multiple milestones. He now has the highest individual score by a captain in the Asia Cup, surpassing Virat Kohli in the elite list. Kohli had scored 136 against Bangladesh in an Asia Cup match in 2014. Babar also registered the second-best score by a batter in the tournament

Watch: LOL Moment In Asia Cup! 'Chacha' Iftikhar Ahmed Calls Babar Azam 'Bhatija'

Pakistan secured a comprehensive 238-run win over Nepal in the 2023 Asia Cup opener in Multan. With the tournament returning to Pakistan after a gap of 15 years, the home team put on a commanding performance despite a few hiccups. The highlight of the night was captain Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed's 214-run stand, the highest fifth-wicket partnership for Pakistan. Babar slammed 151 off 131 on his way to his 19th ODI century, while Iftikhar notched up his maiden ton.