Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi showed his new ball antics in the Asia Cup opener against Nepal. Chasing a total of 343 runs, Nepal batters managed to stroke back to back boundaries. However, Shaheen managed to scalp back to back wickets just like he did a month ago while playing in The Hundred 2023 competition. With his opening spell, the left-arm seamer has sent warning signals to the Men in Blue who are slated to play their opening match of the competition against Pakistan on September 2.
Afridi looked in his absolute best with the New Ball
At first, Shaheen strangled opener Bhurtel before he bowled a pinpoint yorker to skipper Rohit Paudel and pinned him right infront of the wickets. After bowling the opening spell of five overs, Shaheen left the field as he look in some discomfort with Mohammad Haris taking place as a substitute.
Earlier in the match, Skipper Babar Azam slammed 151 runs while Iftikhar Ahmed also smashed his maiden ODI century against a bleak looking Nepal bowling line-up. The visitors managed to scalp early wickets with both openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq going back in quick succession.
However, Babar and Mohammad Rizwan managed to put the Men in Green back on track before the latter got out due to a run out. However, skipper Babar and Iftikhar proved to be too good for the Nepali bowlers towards the end as they posted a mammoth total on board.
Also Read:
- Asia Cup squad announced
- BCCI prez Roger Binny, Rajeev Shukla to attend Asia Cup matches in Pakistan
- Check World Cup squads
Meanwhile, team India has reached Sri Lanka to take on Pakistan in their opening match of the Asia Cup. The match will be played on September 2 (Saturday) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The Men in Blue have been exposed several times by the Pakistani pacers in ICC events. Rohit Sharma and Co. will be hoping to put on a strong batting performance against their Neighbours.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Mohammed Shami not travelling to Australia for Adelaide Test, will continue to play in SMAT
Top Stories
