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 PAK vs NEP | Babar Azam and Iftikhar's Stunning Twin Centuries Power Pakistan to 342

image-llxrskaxBabar Azam scored a stunning 151 against Nepal (Twitter)

The highly anticipated Asia Cup 2023 has got underway in Multan and Pakistan have started it with a bang, slamming 342 while batting first in the opening game against Nepal. Pakistan were initially put under pressure when they were reduced to 25-2. The 86-run stand between Babar and Rizwan did brought some stability into Pakistan's innings but again lost two wickets in a hurry to get reduced to 124-4 in the 28th over. 

However, Iftikhar Ahmed walked out to the crease with great intent and along with Babar Azam, soon transferred the pressure back on Nepal to set a perfect platform for carnage at the death. The duo went berserk in the last 10 overs and slammed 129 runs to take Pakistan to a big total of 342 at the end of 50 overs.

Nepal's Promising Start With The Ball

Nepal are playing in the Asia Cup for the first time and playing against Pakistan in front of the passionate crowd is a huge moment for them. Naturally, there were bound to be some nerves, but after an erratic first over, Karan KC displayed superb skills and soon got the wicket of Fakhar Zaman in the 6th over. 

Nepal did struggle on the field with plenty of misfields but they did get direct hits under their belly which helped them to get rid of Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan. The latter was looking good with 44 off 50 balls but a brain-fade moment and a direct hit from Dipendra Singh Airee brought his downfall. Agha Salman could not last long as Sandeep Lamichhane outfoxed him to reduce Pakistan to 124-4. Pakistan looked in pressure at that moment but soon the tides turned and Nepal just looked clueless thereafter.

Babar Azam's Class and Iftikhar Ahmed's Assault Blows Away Nepal

Babar Azam is one of the finest batters in world cricket currently and he proved that once again today with fantastic 151 off just 130 balls. He started his knock cautiously when wickets were falling at the other end but accelerated seamlessly when he got set to take the game away from Nepal. He slammed his 19th ODI century but it was Iftikhar Ahmed's knock and fluency that brought much-needed impetus into Pakistan's innings. He slammed a 67-ball century and went onto stay unbeaten on 109 off 71 balls as Babar Azam departed in the last over. Pakistan have got a mammoth total on the board and with Nepal now have a humongous task in front of them against a quality Pakistan bowling attack.

Brief Scores

Pakistan - 342/6 (50 overs)

Babar Azam - 151 (131), Iftikhar Ahmed - 108* (71)

Sompal Kami - 2/85, Karan KC - 1/54