Pakistan beat Nepal in Asia Cup opener
Thursday, 31 August 2023
MULTAN, Pakistan, Aug 30 (Agencies): Pakistan thrashed Nepal by massive 238 runs in the Asia Cup opener at Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday
Centuries from Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed powered Pakistan to 342 for six before the bowlers of the host nation, led by Shadab Khan's four-wicket haul, bundled Nepal for just 104 to secure a convincing 238-run victory.
Pakistan skipper Azam smashed a 131-ball 151 while Ahmed scored an unbeaten 109 in 71 balls to notch his maiden limited-over century.
Nepal, playing in the Asia Cup for the first time, had bowled well to keep the home team down to 124-4 in the 28th over but was clueless in the final overs against the onslaught from Azam and Ahmed.
The pair added a robust 214 runs off 131 balls for the fifth wicket, which brought Pakistan back into the game after Azam won the toss and opted to bat.
Azam cracked 14 boundaries and four sixes while Ahmed hit 11 boundaries and four sixes, helping Pakistan to 129 runs in the last 10 overs including 67 in the final five.
Fast bowler Sompal Kami was the best for Nepal with 2-85.
The Asia Cup is being played on a hybrid model this year with Pakistan hosting four matches and Sri Lanka nine after India refused to tour Pakistan due to political tensions.