PAK vs NEP Highlights: Pakistan registered a convincing 238-run win over Nepal in PAK vs NEP clash in Asia Cup 2023 opener. Chasing a mammoth 343, the visitors got off to a horrible start, losing 3 wicket for 14. However, Aarif Sheikh (26) and Sompal Kami (28) showed some fightback with a 59-run partnership. However, Aarif’s wicket opened the flood gates as Nepal lost next 6 wickets for just 31 runs. All-rounder Shadab Khan was the pick of the bowlers with 4/27. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf took two wickets each.
Earlier, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam was majestic with the bat once more as he slammed a 151 in the opening game of the Asia Cup. Dasher Iftikhar Ahmed also completed his maiden ODI century as Pakistan reached 342/6 in their allotted 50 overs. For Nepal, Kami scalped two wickets while Karan KC and Sandeep Lamichhane got one wicket each.
Babar’s record-breaking 150, Iftikhar’s maiden century
After opting to bat, Pakistan suffered two blows as they lost both the openers inside first 10 overs. However, Pakistan’s ever star duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan rescued the side as they put on a 89-run partnership.
After Rizwan’s dismissal, Babar combined with Iftikhar Ahmed to dismantle Nepal’s bowling attack. The Pakistan skipper reached his 19th ODI century in 109 balls and then switched to 5th gear in next 8 overs. His next 50 came in just 20 balls.
Iftikhar Ahmed made an equal impact with his unbeaten 109-run knock as the duo powered Pakistan to 342/6 in 50 overs.
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