The much-anticipated opening match of the Asia Cup 2023 unfolded in Multan as co-hosts Pakistan took on Nepal in a cricket clash that marked Nepal’s debut in the prestigious tournament. The game witnessed a brilliant display of cricketing prowess and resilience from the Men in Green.
After a dazzling opening ceremony, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, won the toss and chose to bat first in front of an electrified home crowd. Making the contest even more significant, this encounter was Nepal’s inaugural One Day International (ODI) against Pakistan and their first-ever appearance in the Asia Cup.
Pakistan’s innings started on a promising note, with Fakhar Zaman contributing a quick 14 runs before being dismissed by Nepal’s Karan KC. However, a run-out saw the departure of Imam Ul Haq, adding only 5 runs to the total.
Babar Azam, the talismanic captain, partnered with Mohammad Rizwan to orchestrate a much-needed recovery for the team. The duo meticulously built an 86-run partnership for the third wicket, displaying a mix of skill and determination. Unfortunately, Rizwan’s dismissal, attributed to his own lapse, halted their momentum.
Sandeep Lamichhane, Nepal’s leg-spin sensation, struck again, claiming the wicket of Salman Agha for just 5 runs. At this point, Pakistan stood at 124/4 after 28 overs. The silver lining was Babar Azam’s steady presence at the crease.
Babar Azam, who had recently showcased his form with two half-centuries against Afghanistan, continued his remarkable performance. Supported by Iftikhar Ahmed, who unleashed powerful shots at the other end, Babar Azam held the innings together amidst the challenging conditions of Multan’s heat and humidity.
Their partnership blossomed, and Iftikhar Ahmed celebrated a well-earned half-century at a brisk pace. However, the highlight of the match came in the 42nd over when Babar Azam, amidst his aggressive play, reached his 19th ODI century. A well-placed shot towards deep-backward point earned him two runs, setting a new record for the fastest century in just 102 innings, surpassing the previous record held by Hashim Amla (104 innings).
Pakistan Vs Nepal Asia Cup Match Highlights
Social media platforms erupted with jubilation as Babar Azam’s fans celebrated yet another milestone in his illustrious career. His century served as the driving force behind Pakistan’s dominant performance, further solidifying his status as a cricketing sensation on the global stage. With this extraordinary feat, Babar Azam once again etched his name in the annals of cricket history.
