Asia Cup 2023, Match 1 | Nepal's Predicted XI vs Pakistan


image-llwkzzzlNepal will be playing against Pakistan in the first match of the Asia Cup 2023 (Source: Twitter)

The anticipation is high as Nepal (NEP) and Pakistan (PAK) are poised to engage in an exhilarating showdown in the inaugural match of the Asia Cup 2023. The clash between PAK and NEP is scheduled to unfold on Wednesday, August 30, at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Cricket enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting for this encounter, which marks the commencement of the prestigious Asia Cup 2023 tournament.


Top Order Players (Position 1-3)

The opening partnership for Nepal's batting lineup is expected to be Kushal Bhurtel and wicketkeeper-batsman Aasif Sheikh. Kushal Burthel's remarkable form has been on display all year, with a huge effect in 19 One-Day Internationals. He has amassed a remarkable total of 544 runs, including one century and three half-centuries. 

image-llwl1hv5Kushal Bhurtel will be seen opening the innings for Nepal (Source: Twitter)

Aasif Sheikh, a right-handed batter, on the other hand, has proven his batting abilities by scoring 532 runs in 18 ODIs in 2023. His outstanding performance includes a century and four half-centuries, highlighting his consistency in contributing to the team's victory.

For More Such Reads from OneCricket, Click Here.

The top order of Nepal's batting lineup is expected to contain skipper Rohit Paudel, a right-handed hitter who has been in excellent form this year, scoring 524 runs in 20 ODIs. Paudel has three fifties and an unbeaten 95-run top score. 


Middle Order Players (Position 4-7)

Bhim Sharki will take over at number four. This right-handed batter has scored 409 runs in 14 ODIs this year. His steadiness is seen in his three half-centuries, including an undefeated knock of 77 runs. Kushal Malla and Dipendra Singh Airee will take the responsibility in the middle order. Kushal Malla's importance as an all-rounder for Nepal cannot be emphasized enough. This season, he has made important contributions with both the bat and the ball. 

image-llwl2z93Bhim Sharki will be an integral part of the Nepal batting line-up in the Asia Cup 2023 (Source: Twitter)

The left-handed batter has scored 541 runs in 19 One-Day Internationals, including a century and three half-centuries. Furthermore, his off-spin has been efficient, resulting in 11 wickets with the ball. Dipendra Singh Airee, another important all-rounder, is a right-arm seamer who has claimed 17 wickets in 19 One-Day Internationals this year. He has also made an impression with the bat, scoring 360 runs in 19 matches which includes two fifties.

Gulsan Jha, one of the team's pacers, is expected to play an important role. In 2023, he played 13 One-Day Internationals and took 13 wickets, showcasing his effectiveness as a right-arm pacer. He has also demonstrated his abilities as a bater. Jha has scored 314 runs in 13 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), with a batting average of more than 44.


Lower Order Players (Position 8-11)

Sandeep Lamichhane's participation as a strong spinner would be crucial for Nepal in their match against Pakistan. This year, the leg-spinner has routinely given exceptional performances for Nepal, making him a strong weapon in their bowling arsenal. Lamichhane has 42 wickets in 19 ODIs at an outstanding average of 20.0. 

image-llwl4qyuSandip Lamichhane will be prime weapon for Nepal in bowling (Source: Twitter)

Lalit Rajbanshi is also expected to contribute as another spinner for the team. This year, the left-arm off-spinner has taken 18 wickets in 10 ODIs, with an outstanding average of 15.27. Rajbanshi's excellent economy rate of 3.92 across these ten matches demonstrates his importance to the team.

Karan KC and Sompal Kami will handle the pace attack. Karan KC is Nepal's most successful bowler after Sandeep Lamichhane in 2023. He has 30 wickets at an average of 25.76 in 18 games. Karan is a right-handed pitcher who can also bat. Sompal Kami will be another pacer for Nepal in the Asia Cup 2023 opener. In 2023, the right-arm bowler has taen 13 wickets in 15 One-Day Internationals at an economy of 4.93.


Asia Cup 2023, Match 1: Nepal's Predicted XI vs Pakistan

Kushal Bhurtel
Aasif Sheikh (wk)
Rohit Paudel (c)
Bhim Sharki
Kushal Malla
Dipendra Singh Airee
Gulshan Jha
Sandeep Lamichhane 
Lalit Rajbanshi
Karan KC
Sompal Kami