In a captivating start to the Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan, the reigning top-ranked One-Day International team, is poised for a showdown against Nepal in Group-A.
The eagerly awaited clash is scheduled to take place at the iconic Multan Cricket Stadium on August 31 at 2.30 pm (PKT) – a historic moment for both teams.
This fixture marks Nepal’s debut on the grand stage of the Asia Cup, while also showcasing Multan’s inaugural hosting of such a prestigious match.
Pakistan’s position as the No. 1 ODI team only adds to their ascendancy in the tournament. This is their second time at the top since April, backed by an impressive win/loss ratio of 2.750 from 31 matches in the World Cup cycle.
Captain Babar Azam leaves no room for doubt about Pakistan’s approach, vowing to face each opponent in the Asia Cup with unwavering focus. Speaking at a press conference on August 29 in anticipation of the opening match against Nepal, Azam expressed his excitement about commencing the tournament in front of Multan’s passionate crowd.
He stated, “Playing in front of the enthusiastic Multan crowd is an unparalleled experience, and we’re delighted to kick off the Asia Cup from this city. Congratulations to Nepal for earning their spot, and I truly believe their participation will foster cricket’s growth in their nation. We’re eagerly anticipating our match against Nepal and expect an enthralling contest.”
In the face of competition, Azam dismissed the idea of mounting pressure, asserting that it’s a surge of confidence that propels the team forward.
Pakistan’s recent victory over the West Indies in Multan still reverberates. Last year, they secured a remarkable 3-0 victory, showcasing their dominance.
With a remarkable track record of 7 wins in 10 ODIs at this venue, Pakistan is poised to recreate magic. The journey into the Asia Cup is marked by Pakistan’s upward trajectory, crowned by a sensational 3-0 victory over Afghanistan in Sri Lanka, propelling them to the top of ICC rankings.
From leveling T20 International series against New Zealand to triumphing in ODI series, Pakistan’s performances have been nothing short of remarkable. Reflecting on the team’s top-ranking status, Azam emphasized, “Rather than feeling pressured, we step into this tournament with elevated confidence. Our unwavering dedication and hard work have paid off, propelling us to the top. But this is not the end of our journey; we’re focused on claiming victory in both the Asia Cup and the World Cup. With challenging and thrilling months ahead, our team is ready to shine for our nation.”
As the cricketing saga unfolds, Pakistan’s journey continues in Sri Lanka, where they are set to face arch-rivals India in a crucial Group-A match on September 02 at Kandy. This sets the stage for an intense and exciting chapter in the Asia Cup 2023.
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