Asia Cup 2023: Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed Tons Propel Pakistan To A Huge Win Over Nepal - In Pics

Skipper Babar Azam scored a brilliant 151 while Iftikhar Ahmed smashed his maiden ODI century as Pakistan thrashed minnows Nepal by 238 runs in the opening match of the Asia Cup in Multan on Wednesday. Babar and Iftikhar played pivotal roles in securing Pakistan to a mammoth 342 for six after opting to bat. Babar (151 off 130) was involved in two crucial partnerships - with Mohammad Rizwan (44 off 50) and then sharing a whirlwind 214 runs for the fifth wicket with Iftikhar (109 not out off 71 balls). In reply, Nepal's batters just couldn't take on the might of Pakistani bowling attack as they were bundled out for a paltry 104.

Updated: 31 Aug 2023 8:03 am

Asia Cup Cricket 2023: Pakistan vs Nepal | Photo: AP/Asim Tanveer

Pakistan's Babar Azam, right, plays a shot as Nepal's Aasif Sheikh watches during the one-day international cricket match of Asia Cup between Pakistan and Nepal, in Multan, Pakistan.

Pakistan's Iftikhar Ahmed celebrates after scoring century during the one-day international cricket match of Asia Cup between Pakistan and Nepal, in Multan, Pakistan.

Pakistan's IftikharAhmed, right, celebrates after scoring century during the one-day international cricket match of Asia Cup between Pakistan and Nepal, in Multan, Pakistan.

Pakistan's Babar Azam, right, plays a shot as Nepal's Aasif Sheikh watches during the one-day international cricket match of Asia Cup between Pakistan and Nepal, in Multan, Pakistan.

Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan bats during the one-day international cricket match of Asia Cup between Pakistan and Nepal, in Multan, Pakistan.

Pakistani players stand for their national anthem before the start of the one-day international cricket match of Asia Cup between Pakistan and Nepal, in Multan, Pakistan.

Nepalese players stand for their national anthem before the start of the one-day international cricket match of Asia Cup between Pakistan and Nepal, in Multan, Pakistan.

Pakistani singer Aima Baig performs during a ceremony before the start of one-day international cricket match of Asia Cup between Pakistan and Nepal, in Multan, Pakistan.

Nepalese singer Trishala Gurung performs during a ceremony before the start of one-day international cricket match of Asia Cup between Pakistan and Nepal, in Multan, Pakistan.