Asia Cup 2023: The first match of the Asia Cup 2023 is being played between hosts Pakistan and Nepal on Wednesday. Both the teams are facing each other at Multan Cricket Stadium. Pakistan has set a huge target of 343 runs for Nepal. Batting first the host scored 342 runs losing 6 wickets in 50 overs.
Captain Babar Azam scored 151 runs in 131 balls smashing 14 fours and 4 sixes and middle-order batter Iftikhar Ahmed remained unbeaten at a score of 109 runs. He hit 11 fours and 4 sixes in his innings of 71 balls.
When Pakistan lost 4 early wickets, Babar and Iftikhar made a partnership of 214 runs for the fifth wicket. Mohammad Rizwan contributed 44 runs in 50 balls and was run out.
For Nepal, Sompal Kami took two wickets while Karan KC and Sandeep Lamichhane took one each. Pakistan and Nepal are clashing for the first time in ODI format. Young Rohit Paudel is leading the Nepal team playing in the Asia Cup for the first time.