Asia Cup 2023: Babar, Iftikhar hit centuries as Pakistan set Nepal to chase 343

Multan: Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed’s tons powered Pakistan to an enormous 342 runs against Nepal in the first match of the ongoing ACC Men’s Asia Cup on Wednesday.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has won the toss and elected to bat in the opening game of the Asia Cup against first-timer Nepal.

Both teams are placed in Group A alongside India, with the top two sides qualifying for the Super 4 stage.

Babar Azam scored a classy 151, while Iftikhar Ahmed wreaked havoc on Nepal bowlers with an unbeaten 109.

The hosts Pakistan had a shaky start after winning the toss with both opening batters back to the pavilion inside seven overs with only 25 runs on board.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan then helped rebuild the innings as they added 86 runs for the third wicket before Mohammad Rizwan perished courtesy of a direct hit. He scored 44 runs off 50 deliveries with the help of six boundaries.

Agha Salman also followed him after adding only five runs to the total, leaving Pakistan at 124-4 in the 28th over.

Babar Azam was then joined by Iftikhar Ahmed on the crease, and together they exhibited a fiery batting display against Nepal bowlers.

They added 214 runs in only 131 balls for the fifth wicket, steering Pakistan to a mammoth total.

Babar Azam’s 131-ball 151 featured 14 boundaries and four sixes, whereas Iftikhar Ahmed scored 109 runs from 71 balls with the help of 11 boundaries and four sixes.

Nepal’s Sompal Kami picked up two wickets, while Karan KC and Sandeep Lamichhane contributed with one wicket each.