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The Pakistan cricket team displayed a dominant performance against Nepal in their first Asia Cup encounter at Multan. Opting to bat after winning the toss, captain Babar Azam chose to take advantage of the batter-friendly pitch.
Nepal made an impressive start, dismissing Pakistan’s openers during the powerplay. Subsequently, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan worked to stabilize the innings, forming an 86-run partnership for the third wicket. However, this alliance came to an end with the unusual run-out of Rizwan by Nepal’s Dipendra Airee.
Following Rizwan’s departure, Agha Salman joined Babar Azam but made minimal contribution, getting dismissed for just 5 runs by Sandeep Lamichhane. Babar Azam continued to accumulate runs with support from Iftikhar Ahmed.
The momentum shifted after 30 overs, with both batsmen launching an explosive display, showing no mercy to Nepal’s bowling attack. Their partnership amassed 214 runs for the fifth wicket. Babar Azam achieved his 19th ODI century and went on to reach 150 before being dismissed at 151. Additionally, Iftikhar Ahmed secured his maiden century, scoring an unbeaten 109 from 71 balls.
After 50 overs, Pakistan amassed a massive total of 342 runs. Following the impressive batting performance, the bowlers took over and exhibited no leniency towards Nepal’s batters.
Pakistan’s bowlers made it challenging for Nepal to hold their ground, leading to a sequence of wicket losses. By the 23.4th over, Nepal’s score was a mere 104 runs, resulting in them being all out. As a result, Pakistan secured a resounding 238-run victory over Nepal.
Shadab Khan emerged as the most successful bowler with four wickets, closely followed by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, both claiming two wickets. Naseem Shah and Mohammed Nawaz each took one wicket.
In their upcoming match on September 2nd at Pallekele, Sri Lanka, Pakistan will square off against their arch-rivals, India.
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