1st Match Between Pakistan VS Nepal Played at Multan, Pakistan
Pakistan 342/6 (Babar Azam 151, Iftikhar Ahmed 109*, Mohammad Rizwan 44, Sompal Kami 2/85, Karan KC 1/54, Sandeep Lamichhane 1/69)
Nepal 104 All Out in 23.4 Overs (Sompal Kami 28, Arif Sheikh 26, Shadab Khan 4/27, Haris Rauf 2/16, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2/27)
Pakistan won the match by 238 Runs
Player of the Match: Babar Azam
Nepal playing its first ever match in Asia Cup was crashed by all gun blazing Pakistan firing in all cylinders. Their fiery baptism against the potential champions ended with huge 238 runs massive defeat.
A blitz by champion batsman Babar Azam 151 in 131 deliveries and tornado unbeaten innings of unbeaten 109 by flamboyant Iftikhar Ahmed led Pakistan to a huge 342 /6 batting first on a wicket which appeared double paced at the start. Rookie Nepal had little of the fast, furious, and penetrative Pakistan attack getting bundled out for only 104 in 23.4 overs. Pakistan started their mission 2023 with a huge win by 238 runs.
There was no doubt that the qualifier Nepal will find it extremely difficult to prove them against the number one ODI team Pakistan playing brilliant cricket now. But they could somehow keep the belligerent Pakistan in check till the 33rd over of the Pakistan Innings while prolific Pakistan Captain Babar Azam was finding his bearings. Fakhar Zaman (14), Imamul Haq (9) were consumed early. By the 7th over Pakistan were 25/2. Fakhar was undone by Karan KC caught behind by a brilliant outswinger while Imam was run out by captain Paudel direct throw.
Babar was joined by Mohammad Rizwan. The pair started setting their roots. But unfortunately, a bit casual in approach Rizwan was short of his wicket as Airee rattled his stumps with a direct throw. Rizwan was looking for good scoring quickfire 44 in 50 deliveries. Young Agha Salman did not last long. But by this time Emperor Babar got his bearing right. Flamboyant Iftikhar right from the onset looked in great touch. Babar -Iftikhar pair ruthlessly plundered Nepalese attack adding a milestone setting 214 runs 5th wicket partnership full of aggressive strokes. Runs came in torrent as Babar raced to his 19th ODI century 151 in 131 balls to be exact striking 14 fours and 4 sixes. These were mostly deft deflections and cleverly exploitation of the gaps. Iftikhar was clinical in his plundering of Nepalese attack tormenting them scoring unbeaten 109 runs in only 71 balls. His innings featured with 11 fours and 4 sixes. Pakistan reached unassailable 342/6 in their allotted overs.
All knows that Pakistan possesses a very well composed penetrative bowling attack. Defending a huge total their pace battery rocked Nepal early reducing them to 3/14 by the 2nd over. Nepalese showed some guts adding 59 for the fourth wicket between Sampal Kami (28) and Arif Sheikh 26. But once Shadab Khan came to the attack they were completely undone. 7 wickets fell for only 27 runs as Nepal crumbled for 104 all out. Pakistan made an auspicious start to their mission. They will meet archrivals India next which will be a blockbuster. Brilliant Babar Azam for his superlative 151 was adjudged player of the match.
Nepal competed well till Pakistan changed gears from the 33rd over of their innings when Babar changed his gear with the arrival of flamboyant Iftikhar as his partner. Nepalese bowling and fielding ran ragged against the blistering and aggressive batting of Babar and Iftikhar. This Pakistan unit not only has quality top order batting but fiery middle and late middle order. Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar and Newaz are all competent stroke making all rounders. With a very strong attack, Pakistan looks like the team for the championship.
BDST: 1200 HRS, AUG 31, 2023
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