Babar and Iftikhar Shine as Pakistan Posts 342-6 Against Nepal

In a scintillating start to the Asia Cup, world number one batter Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed demonstrated their batting prowess, propelling Pakistan to a commandi🌄ng total of 342-6 ♉against Nepal in Multan on Wednesday.

Mainul Islam

August 30, 2023

1.8 minutes

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Author:

Mainul Islam

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Babar and Iftikhar Shine as Pakistan Posts 342-6 Against Nepal

In a scintillating start to the Asia Cup, world number one batter Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed demonstrated t꧅heir batting prowess, propelling Pakistan 𝕴to a commanding total of 342-6 against Nepal in Multan on Wednesday.

Captain's Brilliance and a Maiden Hundred

Captain Babar Azam emerged as the standout performer, showcasing his impeccable skill with a magnificent knock of 151 runs off 131 balls. Adding to the spectacle, Iftikhar Ahmed displayed remarkable resilience and skill to record his maiden ODI century, remaining unbeaten with 109 runs in just 71 balls.

Nepal's Challenge and Resurgence

Nepal, participating in the Asia Cup for the first time, initially contained the Pakistani batting order effectively, limiting them to 124-4 by the 28th over. However, the tide shifted as Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed unleashed an onslaught, baffling Nepal’s bowlers in the final overs.

Dynamic Partnership and Resurgence

The duo of Azam and Ahmed orchestrated a formidable partnership, amassing an impressive 214 runs off 131 balls for the fifth wicket. This partnership acted as a catalyst, rejuvenating Pakistan’s innings after Babar Azam’s decision to bat following the coin toss.

Explosive Batting Display

Babar Azam’s innings comprised 14 boundaries and four sixes, while Ahmed’s explosive knock featured 11 boundaries and four sixes. This remarkable display guided Pakistan to a stunning surge of 129 runs in the last 10 overs, with an impressive 67 runs amassed in the final five overs.

Nepal's Struggles and Pakistan's Resilience

Nepal faced difficulties in containing Azam and Ahmed, grappling to counter their aggressive onslaught. Notably, Azam received a reprieve on 55 when Karan Chhetri dropped a caught-and-bowled opportunity, while Nepal’s ground fielding encountered inconsistencies.

Pakistan's Triumph Amidst Challenges

Amidst early challenges, Pakistan saw opener Fakhar Zaman depart for 14 runs in the sixth over. Imam-ul-Haq followed with a run-out dismissal at just five runs, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position at 25-2. Babar Azam’s partnership with Mohammad Rizwan (44) revived the innings, though Rizwan’s run-out ultimately curtailed his contribution.

Iftikhar Ahmed's Highlight

The spotlight then turned to Iftikhar Ahmed, who exhibited his best ODI performance, surpassing his previous score of 94 not out against New Zealand earlier in the year.

Nepal's Best Performer

Sompal Kami, the fast bowler from Nepal, emerged as the standout performer for his team, claiming 2-85 in the face of Pakistan’s formidable batting lineup.

Asia Cup's Hybrid Model

The current edition of the Asia Cup adopts a hybrid model, with Pakistan hosting four matches and Sri Lanka hosting nine. This arrangement comes in the backdrop of India’s decision not to tour Pakistan due to political tensions.
Last Updated: Aug 30, 2023