PAKISTAN: Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam and the rising star Iftikhar Ahmed delivered excellent performances as Pakistan routed Nepal by a powerful 238-run margin within the opening match of the Asia Cup 2023 on the Multan Worldwide Cricket Stadium. The scintillating partnership between Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed powered Pakistan to a commanding victory.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan’s resolution proved fruitful, as they amassed an imposing whole of 342 for six of their allotted 50 overs. The spotlight of the innings was undoubtedly Babar Azam’s masterclass.
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The captain’s outstanding innings noticed him notch up 151 runs off simply 130 deliveries, with a show of precision and timing that left the opposition bowlers struggling to seek out solutions.
Whereas the start of the innings was comparatively sedate, the partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan injected momentum into Pakistan’s innings. The duo stitched collectively an 86-run partnership, with Rizwan contributing 44 runs off 50 balls, setting the stage for the fireworks to return.
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The true fireworks, nonetheless, had been ignited by the explosive partnership between Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed. The fifth-wicket partnership, value a whopping 214 runs, left the Nepalese bowlers greedy at straws.
Iftikhar Ahmed’s gorgeous knock of 109 not out off 71 balls showcased his prowess and marked a major milestone as he secured his maiden ODI century. His aggressive method and highly effective strokes left the opposition reeling.
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Nepal’s bowlers had been unable to discover a breakthrough as Babar and Iftikhar constructed their partnership, propelling Pakistan to a complete that will finally show insurmountable.
In response, Nepal struggled to take care of Pakistan’s whole, managing to attain solely 104 runs earlier than being bowled out. Sompal Kami (28) was the very best scorer from Nepal.
Pakistan’s bowlers had been in fantastic kind, capitalizing on the strain constructed by their batting counterparts. Shadab Khan was the very best of the Pakistan bowlers, taking 4/27.
The excellent victory mirrored Pakistan’s dominance in all aspects of the sport and despatched a transparent message to the opposite groups taking part within the event. Because the Asia Cup 2023 gathers momentum, Pakistan’s convincing win over Nepal within the opener has set the stage for an thrilling event forward.
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