PAK vs NEP, Asia Cup 2023 Match Highlights: Pakistan Beat Nepal By 238 Runs
PAK vs NEP ODI Highlights: Pakistan completed a comprehensive won over Nepal in Multan.
That's it, that's the game. It's Shadab who takes the last wicket. Rajbanshi departs not before using the DRS available but it was only hoping against hope. In the end, Pakistan win by 238 runs in this opening game of Asia Cup 2023. Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed's 214-run partnership was where the foundation of that win was laid before Shadab Khan's 4/27 stood out after the early blows from their pacers.
Nepal continue to lose their way. They are now 91/8 in 21.5 overs. Two wickets in an over from Shadab Khan. A great catch from Fakhar Zaman to produce the wicket of Gulsan Jha followed by a goggle rattling the stumps of Lamichhane.
WICKET! Another one for Rauf and this time it's Sompal Kami who departs. Rizwan takes a superb catch with the gloves on. Nepal- 82/5 after 17 overs.
WICKET! Haris Rauf gets rid of Aarif Sheikh. That's the end of a good little resistance. Half-century stand between Sompal Karmi and Sheikh but Rauf gets the wicket. Nepal- 73/4 in 14.4 overs.
What a start for Pakistan. They have got another wicket! Aasif Sheikh goes back. Nepal are 14/3 in 1.4 overs as Naseem Shah gets Sheikh out caught behind. There is a reason why Pakistan are being touted as one of the favourites to go the way and that bowling attack shows just why.
Two wickets in two balls! Rohit Paudel out first ball. It's Shaheen Afridi show in Multan. Nepal- 10/2 after 1st over.
Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh begin Nepal's run-chase of 343. And after a couple of boundaries it is a SOFT DISMISSAL for Bhurtel. Nepal- 10/1
Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed revived Pakistan's innings, helping them to end at 342/6 after 50 overs.
There it is. Hundred for Babar Azam. What a start to the tournament. Pakistan- 225/2 in 41.2 overs.
Fifty for Iftikhar Ahmed, Babar on 98. What a fine innings and a partnership this.
Into the 90s goes Babar Azam. Pakistan are 197/4 after 37 overs. Babar Azam- 93*, Iftikhar Ahmed- 28*
Another wicket for Nepal as Rizwan departed. It was a poor display of running shown by the batter as he looked casual while rotating the strike. Dipendra Singh came up with a solid throw, helping his team get another breakthrough.
After taking two quick wickets against Pakistan, Nepal bowlers are bowling tight lengths while Pakistan batters are batting carefully. Both Rizwan and Babar are playing the ball as per merit.
Karan KC took the wicket of Fakhar Zaman and a brilliant catch by Aasif Sheikh did the rest. It was a length delivery and Zaman wanted to drive the ball but then he ended up edging the delivery towards the keeper.
Fakhar Zaman and Imam started the proceedings while Sompal Kami bowled the first over and conceded two boundaries.
Pakistan (Playing XI): Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.
Nepal (Playing XI): Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh(w), Rohit Paudel(c), Aarif Sheikh, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first.
Hello and welcome to ABP's live coverage of the first game of the Asia Cup 2023 between Pakistan and Nepal. Stay tuned for further updates.
Background
The 2023 edition of the Asia Cup is set to begin on August 30, with Pakistan taking on Nepal in the season opener at Multan Cricket Stadium. Under the leadership of Babar Azam, Pakistan will be coming to play in the tournament as the number 1 ODI team after a 3-0 victory against Afghanistan. Nepal on the other hand will make their debut in the prestigious event as they found their spot after winning the 2023 Men's Premier Cup. Keeping in mind, Pakistan’s strong squad and their reputation in ODI, Nepal is a novice and therefore Pakistan is the favourite team to win the match.
Talking about the Multan Cricket Stadium, the average first-inning total is 254 with the score is likely to be around 50-65 in the powerplay overs. Pakistan team is likely to start their first match with a big win, considering their strong ODI record and the experience gap between the two teams.
Before the action begins, fans will witness the Asia Cup 2023 Opening Ceremony on Wednesday at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan.
Pakistan Predicted XI: Fakhar Zaman, Imam ul Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.
Nepal Predicted XI: Aarif Sheikh, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Bhim Sharki, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Gulshan Jha, Pratis GC.
Nepal Squad: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh(w), Bhim Sharki, Rohit Paudel(c), Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sundeep Jora, Pratis GC, Arjun Saud, Mousom Dhakal, Kishore Mahato, Aarif Sheikh.
Pakistan Squad: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Usama Mir.
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