Centuries from Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed powered Pakistan to 342 for six earlier than the bowlers of the host nation, led by Shadab Khan’s four-wicket haul, bundled Nepal for simply 104 to safe a convincing 238-run victory within the Asia Cup opener on Wednesday.
Pakistan skipper Azam smashed a 131-ball 151 whereas Ahmed scored an unbeaten 109 in 71 balls to notch his maiden restricted overs century.
Pakistan vs Nepal, Asia Cup 2023 Scorecard
Nepal, enjoying within the Asia Cup for the primary time, had bowled properly to maintain the house crew right down to 124-4 within the twenty eighth over however was clueless within the last overs towards the onslaught from Azam and Ahmed.
The pair added a sturdy 214 runs off 131 balls for the fifth wicket, which introduced Pakistan again into the sport after Azam gained the toss and opted to bat.
Azam cracked 14 boundaries and 4 sixes whereas Ahmed hit 11 boundaries and 4 sixes, serving to Pakistan to 129 runs within the final 10 overs together with 67 within the last 5.
Azam was dropped on 55 when Karan Chhetri put down a caught-and-bowled likelihood, whereas Nepal’s floor fielding additionally usually faltered.
Pakistan misplaced opener Fakhar Zaman for 14 within the sixth over, whereas Imam-ul-Haq was run out for 5 to go away them tottering at 25 for the lack of two wickets.
Azam added 86 runs for the third wicket with Mohammad Rizwan (44) earlier than the latter was additionally concerned in a run out. Agha Salman fell for 5, leaving Azam and Ahmed to mount a rescue operation.
Ahmed’s earlier finest ODI rating was an unbeaten 94 not out towards New Zealand in Karachi this yr.
Quick bowler Sompal Kami was the very best for Nepal with 2-85.
The Asia Cup is being performed on a hybrid mannequin this yr with Pakistan internet hosting 4 matches and Sri Lanka 9 after India refused to tour Pakistan because of political tensions.