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Asia Cup 2023 | Babar-Iftikhar Masterclass Propels Pakistan To Cruise Past Nepal

image-llxv8b29Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed had a memorable outing vs Nepal on Wednesday (X.com)

Iftikhar Ahmed’s swashbuckling 71-ball 109 not out, coupled with Babar Azam’s glorious 131-ball 151, made headlines on Wednesday (August 30) as Pakistan began the Asia Cup 2023 campaign with a resounding 238-run victory over Nepal. The contest, which took place at Multan Cricket Stadium, saw the Men in Green put up 342/6 before skittling the opposition out for a paltry 104 in 23.4 overs.

Shaheen, Rauf Tear Nepal Apart After Babar-Iftikhar Show

Coming to defend 342, Pakistan sent Nepal on the back foot straightaway as Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Kushal Bhurtel and Rohit Paudel within the first over. Nepal never really recovered from there on, as wickets kept falling at regular intervals.

Sompal Kami and Aarif Sheikh produced some resistance, stitching a 59-run partnership for the fourth wicket before Haris Rauf returned to remove both of them in successive overs to shatter Nepal’s hopes.

Nepal could only manage 27 runs for their last seven wickets, as Shadab Khan spun a web around the tailenders, claiming 4/27. Mohammad Nawaz and Naseem Shah took a wicket apiece, as each and every Pakistan bowlers were among the wicket-takers.

Earlier in the game, Pakistan were in trouble after losing Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq early. Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam then rebuilt the innings, and Iftikhar joined hands after Agha Salman’s little stay.

It was Babar's 19th ODI hundred, while Iftikhar's maiden century in the format powered Pakistan to a total, which did not seem to be on the cards at all following early departures.

Brief Scores:

Nepal: 104 (23.4)

Sompal Kami 28 (46), Aarif Sheikh 26 (38);

Shadab Khan 4-27 (6.4), Haris Rauf 2-16 (5)

Pakistan: 342-6 (50)

Babar Azam 151 (131), Iftikhar Ahmed 109* (71);

Sompal Kami 2-85 (10), Sandeep Lamichhane 1-69 (10), Karan KC 1-54 (9)