Asia Cup 2023 begins in an astounding fashion as hosts beat Nepal by 238 runs

Pakistan kicked off the Asia Cup tournament in a perfect manner. The opening game took place at Multan Cricket Stadium between Nepal and Pakistan. Captain Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed, alongside Mohammad Rizwan, successfully steered the team to a massive score of 342 runs.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2023 1st Match: Babar Azam Gets Phenomenal 151 for Pakistan

Babar Azam showcased his prowess with an impressive score of 151 runs. Babar and Iftikhar Ahmed composed an extraordinary inning that shattered previous records.

Pakistan’s Inning

Fakhar Zaman was ousted on 14 runs, while Imam Ul Haq left the crease with only four runs. With Pakistan losing two quick wickets, the team’s situation seemed challenging. However, Captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan orchestrated a vital revival, constructing an 86-run partnership for the third wicket. 

Babar Azam showed exceptional form in this crucial moment, amassing 151 runs. Rizwan was run out at 44 runs; subsequently, in a partnership with Babar, Iftikhar scored an unbeaten 109 runs, significantly bolstering Pakistan’s overall score.

Karan proved formidable during Nepal’s bowling stint by dismissing the opening batsman. Sompal Kami played a crucial role by securing two wickets, notably including Babar Azam’s and Shadab Khan’s dismissals. Additionally, Sandeep Lamichhane made a significant contribution by taking the wicket of Salman Ali Agha.

Nepal’s Inning

During the second inning, Nepal faced a challenging situation as their initial three batters managed a mere 13 runs before being dismissed. Aarif Sheikh and Sompal Kami, batting at the fourth and fifth positions, respectively, contributed 26 and 28 runs. Despite team efforts, Nepal’s batting lineup faced a challenging situation and added 27 more runs to their total score before all out.

Most Runs in Asia Cup

In the first game of Asia Cup 2023, Babar Azam displayed a remarkable form, amassing a score of 151 runs. This achievement positions him as the second batsman, following Virat Kohli, to surpass the 150-run mark in the Asia Cup. 

Additionally, Babar has clinched the title of the highest run-scorer on home grounds within the Asia Cup. Notably, he has overtaken Sri Lanka’s Arjuna Ranatunga, outshining Ranatunga’s unbeaten 131 against India in 1997.

Batters With Most Runs in Asia Cup on Home Ground

Babar Azam performed outstandingly in the 2023 Asia Cup, securing 151 runs against Nepal. In 1997, Sri Lanka’s Arjuna Ranatunga achieved an unbeaten score of 131 against India. Another Sri Lankan, Sanath Jayasuriya, etched his name in the tournament’s history with a notable score of 130 against India during the 2004 Asia Cup.

Shoaib Malik from Pakistan also showed his power in the 2008 edition with an unbeaten inning, amassing 125 runs against India. Joining the ranks, Pakistan’s Yunus Khan made a mark in the same 2008 tournament, contributing a substantial 123 runs against India. In the 2014 Asia Cup, Mushfiqur Rahim of Bangladesh showed his form, scoring 117 runs against India.