Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan Captain Babar Azam Sets New World Record With Cracking Century vs Nepal

Babar Azam was all fired up in the Asia Cup 2023 opener against Nepal in Multan on Wednesday. While he began on a slow note, he battled cramps and grew gradually in confidence, the result was a 131-ball 151, consisting four sixes and 14 fours. Babar Azam (151) and Iftikhar Ahmed's (109 not out) centuries fired Pakistan to a huge 342 for 6. This was after Pakistan made an unimpressive start to their innings as they lost both the openers early.

While Fakhar Zaman (14) showed intent initially, he failed to carry on as he was brilliantly caught by a diving Nepal wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh off the bowling of Karan KC in the sixth over.

Pakistan suffered yet another blow soon when Imam-ul-Haq was found short of the crease while attempting a single that was not for the taking. A direct throw from Nepal captain Rohit Paudel ended his innings. Babar was then joined at the crease by wicket-keeper batter Rizwan and the duo stabilised Pakistan's innings.

While Babar played the role of an anchor, Rizwan showed his attacking instincts during the 86-run stand for the third wicket which came off 111 balls.

But the start of their partnership was far from rosy as the duo struggled to keep the scoreboard ticking initially with Pakistan reaching 50 in the 12th over.

The Pakistani duo kept the scoreboard ticking with ones and two thereafter and hit the bad balls to the boundary to bring up the team's 100 in the 22nd over.

Just when he was looking threatening, Rizwan fell to a direct hit at the non-striker's end by Dipendra Singh Airee in search of a quick single. Rizwan paid the price for not grounding his bat, something not acceptable at the highest level.

While Babar kept one end steady, Salman Agha (5) failed to trouble the scorers much,