Pakistan outplayed Asia Cup debutants Nepal in the opening match of the tournament in Multan on Wednesday. Despite losing early wickets, Pakistan went on to post a mammoth total of 342/6 in 50 overs, courtesy centuries from captain Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed.
After Babar and Iftikhar's giant partnership, what followed was a devastating bowling performance from the Pakistan pacers, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah.
Shaheen got the ball rolling with the new cherry, striking twice in the first over. Naseem added a cherry on the top, landing the third blow to Nepal in the powerplay.
Shaheen dismissed Kushal Bhurtel and Rohit Paudel, while Naseem got the better of Aasif Sheikh. Pace & swing Pakistan's premier pacers have been on the money from the get go, restricting Nepal with quick and lethal strikes!Will Nepal put up a spirited fight?Tune-in to #AsiaCupOnStar, LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network & Disney+ Hotstar#PAKvNEP #Cricket pic.twitter.com/avl2nwbybw Pakistan bundled out Nepal for a mere 104 in 23.4 overs with leg-spinner Shadab Khan taking 4-27 while the pace duo of Haris Rauf took 2-16 and Shaheen 2-27.