LAHORE – Pakistan’s dominant efficiency with each bat and ball secured a comprehensive win over Nepal. Babar Azam’s masterclass with the bat set the tone for a high-scoring innings, whereas Iftikhar Ahmed’s explosive knock supplied the ending touches. The bowlers, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan, dismantled Nepal’s batting line-up to seal the victory.
Chasing a difficult goal of 343 runs, Nepal confronted an early setback as Kushal Bhurtel was dismissed for simply eight runs. The wickets continued to tumble for Nepal as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf wreaked havoc with their tempo and accuracy. Aarif Sheikh confirmed resistance with a gutsy 26, however the remainder of the batting line-up struggled to deal with the prespositive exerted by Pakistan’s bowlers.
Shadab Khan’s spin proved to be the undoing of Nepal’s center order, as he claimed 4 very important wickets. The Nepal batters struggled to seek out their rhythm in opposition to Shadab’s variations and impeccable line and size. In consequence, Nepal’s innings got here to a swift finish at 104 runs in 23.four overs.
Earlier after opting to bat first, Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam led from the entrance, showcasing his elegant abilities with a scintillating knock of 151 runs off 131 balls. His innings was marked by 14 boundaries and 4 towering sixes, as he anchored the workforce’s innings and guided them to a formidable whole. Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq had been dismissed in fast succession attributable to good efforts within the subject by Nepal.
Mohammad Rizwan contributed a vital 44 runs, displaying his potential to seek out gaps and rotate the strike effectively. Iftikhar Ahmed then stole the present with a wide ranging show of power-hitting, smashing an unbeaten 109 off simply 71 balls, which included 11 boundaries and 4 sixes. He was concerned in a 214-run partnership with Babar Azam – the very best fifth-wicket stand for Pakistan in ODIs because the duo’s efforts propelled Pakistan to 342-6.
Right this moment’s cricket motion guarantees to be thrilling as Bangladesh tackle Sri Lanka at Pallekele Worldwide Cricket Stadium. In the meantime, followers are eagerly ready for the highly-anticipated showdown between Pakistan and India, scheduled for September 2.
Earlier, the Asia Cup 2023 commenced with a stunning inaugural ceremony held on the Multan Cricket Stadium. The occasion was graced by the mesmerizing performances of celebrated singers; Pakistan’s very personal Aima Baig and Nepal’s sensation Trishala Gurung. Their enthralling acts captivated not solely the spectators in attendance but in addition resonated with viewers watching the ceremony on tv screens.
In the meantime, Pakistan cricket workforce will depart for Kandy, Sri Lanka within the wee hours of Thursday (August 31) for the second Group-A match in opposition to India scheduled at Pallekele Worldwide Cricket Stadium on September 2. The workforce will take part in a coaching session at Pallekele Worldwide Cricket Stadium from 6 pm until eight pm on Friday.