The inaugural clash of the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2023 unfolded, pitting Pakistan against Nepal. The outcome? A staggering 238-run triumph for Pakistan.
Nepal’s entire batting lineup crumbled, managing a mere 104 runs in a mere 23.4 overs. The coin toss favored Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, who opted to bat, setting a formidable target of 343 runs for Nepal.
A Demoralizing First Over for Nepal Sees Three Players Back in the Pavilion
Subsequently, Pakistan’s opening batsmen unleashed a formidable onslaught, amassing an impressive 342 runs, losing six wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed notably achieved centuries, etching their names in the annals of the match’s history. Conversely, Nepal’s start was far from auspicious, with three players departing in the very first over with a meager 14 runs on the scoreboard.
Regrettably, Pakistan’s bowlers left their mark, as eight Nepalese batsmen failed to reach double figures. Sompal Kami emerged as Nepal’s highest scorer, mustering 28 runs from 46 balls faced.
Babar Azam’s Heroic 151 off 131 Balls
Shadab Khan led Pakistan’s bowling attack, securing four crucial wickets, while Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf contributed with two wickets each. Naseem Shah and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with a wicket apiece.
On the flip side, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, delivered a masterful performance in Asia Cup 2023, crafting a sublime 151 runs from 131 deliveries, while Iftikhar Ahmed showcased his prowess with 109 runs off just 71 balls.
A Historic Victory for Pakistan in ODIs – A Record Margin of 238 Runs
This monumental win places Pakistan in the history books of ODI cricket, marking their biggest victory margin in terms of runs:
255 runs vs Ireland in 2016
244 runs vs Zimbabwe in 2018
238 runs vs Nepal in 2023
233 runs vs Bangladesh in 2000
217 runs vs Sri Lanka in 2002
A Packed Schedule for Asia Cup 2023
The Asia Cup 2023 promises an action-packed itinerary with a total of 13 matches on the cards. In the preliminary stage, teams within each group will face off. Subsequently, the top four teams from both groups will advance to the Super 4 stage.
During this phase, these elite four will compete head-to-head. Each team will encounter the others in the Super 4 stage. Finally, the top two teams will engage in a high-stakes final showdown on September 17. Notably, Group-A comprises India, Pakistan, and Nepal, while Group-B is represented by Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Asia Cup 2023 Schedule
August 30: Pakistan Vs Nepal, Multan, Pakistan (Pakistan’s Victory)
August 31: Bangladesh Vs Sri Lanka, Kandy, Sri Lanka, 3 pm
September 2: Pakistan Vs India, Kandy, Sri Lanka, 3 pm
September 3: Bangladesh Vs Afghanistan, Lahore, Pakistan, 2:30 pm
September 4: India Vs Nepal, Kandy, Sri Lanka, 3 pm
September 5: Sri Lanka Vs Afghanistan, Lahore, Pakistan, 2:30 pm
The Super 4 Stage
September 6: A1 Vs B2, Lahore, Pakistan, 2:30 pm
September 9: B1 Vs B2, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 3:00 pm
September 10: A1 Vs A2, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 3:00 pm
September 12: A2 Vs B1, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 3:00 pm
September 14: A1 Vs B1, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 3:00 pm
September 15: A2 Vs B2, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 3:00 pm
September 17: Final (Super Force 1 Vs Super Force 2), Colombo, Sri Lanka, 3:00 pm
