Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan start their campaign with commanding victory over Nepal 

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first. Fakhar Zaman’s departure came early and Imam-ul-Haq followed through with a run-out, Rizwan and Babar exhibited resilience, adding an essential 86 runs for the third wicket. Rizwan’s departure stemmed from an unfortunate run-out, with his bat landing over the line but suspended in the air as the bails were dislodged. While Salman Agha’s batting endeavors faltered, Iftikhar Ahmed surged in with remarkable elegance.

Babar Azam gradually ascended to a century, subsequently switching gears. Meanwhile, Iftikhar showcased aggression on the opposite end, assaulting Nepal’s bowlers during the final overs. In the ultimate over, Babar was toppled by Sompal Kami at a score of 151, followed by Shadab’s dismissal on the final delivery. Iftikhar, who exhibited a ton through audacious strokes, secured a career-best 109 off 71 deliveries.

Read More: ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Schedule

In a daunting chase of 343 runs, Nepal’s ambitions were quickly quashed as they lost their top three batsmen within the opening two overs. Although the innings commenced with two deliveries finding the boundary ropes, the mastery of Shaheen Afridi came into play, dismantling Kushal Bhurtel and Rohit Paudel consecutively. Naseem Shah followed with another dismissal, leaving the score at a staggering 14-3 within 1.4 overs. Sompal Kami, elevated to number five, forged a gritty partnership of 59 runs for the sixth wicket. The duo demonstrated resilience against the odds but soon fell prey to the speed of Haris Rauf, who thundered in with pace to break their foundation.

The collapse followed suit, with spin maestros Shadab Khan (claiming four wickets) and Muhammad Nawaz collaborating to snatch five wickets, restricting Nepal to a mere 104. Pakistan’s commanding total of 342 runs was propelled by an extraordinary 214-run fifth-wicket alliance between Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed. Their collaboration transformed the match’s course, resuscitating the home side from a precarious 25-2 standing. Pakistan crush Nepal by 238 Runs in a match fueled with fireworks from Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed.