Asia Cup 2023 ~ In the first match of Asia Cup, the joined host ‘Pakistan’ take on the Nepal. As it was the first match of the Asia Cup 2023, it started with a small ceremony in the Multan Cricket Stadium Pakistan. Pakistan won the toss and choose to bat first. Both the openers, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq struggle against the starting bowling attack of Nepal as the both sides were playing for the first time to each other. Nepal took the advantage and take both the openers soon. As the best couple on the crease, both Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan stay on crease for about 17 overs and build the partnership of 84 Runs. At last, Rizwan gave his wicket and run out. Soon after Salman Ali Agha also gave the caught to Kushal Bhurtel on Sandeep Lamichhane Bowl. Iftikhar came to the crease and make the the highest 4th wicket partnership with Babar Azam of 214 Runs as Babar Azam scores 151 Runs and Iftikhar Scores 109 Runs only on 71 deliveries. Pakistan gave the target of 343 Runs in 50 overs.
Nepal came to chase 343 Runs and the opener Kushal Bhurtel hits 2 fours in the first 3 balls of his innings to Shaheen Afridi but Shaheen Afridi bowls the hard length and swing a little bit to the leg side. Kushal tried to nudge it with the pad but ball get the inside edge and the Keeper Muhammad Rizwan didn’t make any mistake and Nepal lose their first wicket at 10 Score. On the next ball, Shaheed Afridi used his signature ball but it was a little bit yorker and the batter Rohit miss the ball and it hit the pads and given LBW. Nepal didn’t stay on the crease for long as they lose wickets one by one and bowled out at 104 scores in just 23.4 overs.
Although Pakistan won the game but as Nepal is an emerging team and gain a lot of experience from this game. These youngsters will be going for the big in the next couple years. Asia Cup 2023 will be continue both in Pakistan and Srilanka but everyone is waiting for India vs Pakistan that will be played on 2nd September, 2023.