In a spectacular display of batting prowess, Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed scored magnificent centuries to lead their team to an emphatic 238-run victory over Nepal in the opening game of the Asia Cup in Multan on Wednesday.
Azam, the world’s number one batter, smashed a remarkable 151 off just 131 balls, achieving his 19th ODI hundred. Ahmed, on the other hand, scored his maiden century, remaining unbeaten at 109 off just 71 balls. Their stellar performances helped Pakistan amass a formidable total of 342-6 in their allotted 50 overs.
Pakistan’s dominant batting was well-supported by their bowlers, who bundled out Nepal for a mere 104 in just 23.4 overs. Leg-spinner Shadab Khan claimed four wickets for 27 runs, while the pace duo of Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi took two wickets each.
Despite their efforts, only three Nepalese players – Sompal Kami, Aarif Sheikh, and Gulsan Jha – managed to reach double figures, struggling against Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack.
This comprehensive victory gives Pakistan, who recently claimed the top spot in the ODI rankings, a perfect start and preparation for their highly-anticipated match against arch-rivals India on Saturday in Pallekele.
The format of this year’s Asia Cup is hybrid, with Pakistan hosting four matches and Sri Lanka hosting nine matches, as India declined to tour Pakistan due to political tensions. Pakistan, India, and Nepal are placed in Group A, while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are in Group B. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will face off in Pallekele on Thursday.
Playing in the Asia Cup for the first time, Nepal initially contained Pakistan’s scoring rate, restricting them to 124-4 in the 28th over. However, they were unable to withstand the onslaught from Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed in the final overs.
The duo stitched together an impressive partnership of 214 runs off just 131 balls for the fifth wicket, propelling Pakistan to a commanding total. Azam struck 14 boundaries and four sixes, while Ahmed hit 11 boundaries and four sixes, contributing to Pakistan’s massive 129 runs in the last 10 overs, including 67 in the final five.
Azam was fortunate to be dropped on 55 by Karan Chhetri, who missed a caught-and-bowled chance. Nepal’s ground fielding also proved to be their weak point throughout the game.
Pakistan had a bit of a shaky start, losing their opener Fakhar Zaman for 14 in the sixth over and Imamul Haq to a run-out for just five runs. However, Azam and Mohammad Rizwan (44) steadied the innings with an 86-run partnership before Rizwan was also run out. Agha Salman contributed five runs before Azam and Ahmed took charge to mount a rescue mission.
Iftikhar Ahmed’s previous best ODI score was an unbeaten 94 against New Zealand in Karachi earlier this year. Nepal’s best bowler, Sompal Kami, finished with figures of 2-85.
Overall, it was a dominating performance by Pakistan, showcasing their batting depth and bowling prowess. With this resounding victory, they have set the tone for the rest of the tournament and heightened the excitement for the clash against traditional rivals India.