Pakistan commenced the Asia Cup 2023 in a spectacular fashion, showcasing their cricketing prowess with a resounding 238-run victory over Nepal today.
The Multan Cricket Stadium witnessed a masterful performance from the home team, displaying their dominance across all aspects of the game.
Pakistan’s impressive form carried forward from their recent triumph in Sri Lanka, where they secured a commanding 3-0 sweep against Afghanistan and claimed the top spot in the ICC ODI team rankings.
The Asia Cup opener also marked Nepal’s debut as a team in the tournament and Multan’s introduction as a venue, adding significance to Pakistan’s victory.
Opting to bat after winning the toss, Pakistan set the stage on fire with an imposing total of 342-6 in 50 overs. Captain Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed were the standout performers, both crafting exquisite centuries.
Babar Azam’s remarkable innings not only propelled his team but also saw him surpass the record held by South African legend Hashim Amla. Azam became the fastest player to reach 19 ODI centuries, achieving this milestone in just 102 innings compared to Amla’s 104.
His heroic knock of 151 runs from 131 balls, embellished with 14 fours and four sixes, etched his name in the cricketing history books.
Iftikhar Ahmed’s maiden unbeaten century of 109 runs from 71 balls, including 11 boundaries and four sixes, left spectators in awe of his performance. Azam’s crucial entrance at 25-2 turned the tide, as he anchored Pakistan’s innings and built a pivotal 86-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan, who contributed 44 runs off 50 balls.
A rare run-out ended Rizwan’s innings, while Salman Agha fell swiftly to Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane. However, Azam’s resilience paved the way for a monumental 214-run partnership in just 131 balls with Iftikhar Ahmed, underscoring Pakistan’s dominance.
Shadab Khan’s exceptional performance was a highlight of the match, as he claimed four crucial wickets for a mere 27 runs, propelling Pakistan to restrict Nepal to a meager 104 runs. Notable moments in the second innings included Mohammad Rizwan’s impressive wicketkeeping skills and Fakhar Zaman’s gravity-defying catch.
As the day drew to a close, Shaheen Shah Afridi took the spotlight by dismissing two Nepali batsmen in a single over, showcasing his remarkable talent.
In summary, Pakistan’s Asia Cup campaign began with a dazzling victory, powered by Babar Azam’s record-breaking century and Iftikhar Ahmed’s stellar performance. The team’s all-around dominance in both batting and bowling ensured a memorable start to the tournament.
READ MORE: Shaheen Afridi: Leading Contender for World Cup 2023 Wicket-Taker