Pakistan skipper Babar Azam proved his world-class ability in the Asia Cup 2023 opening game against Nepal. The top-ranked ODI side batter Babar Azam scored a breath-taking 151 to seal a one-sided victory for the Men In Green. (More Cricket News)
Babar was well supported by Iftikhar Ahmed as the duo were crucial in their 238-run win over their Asian minnows at the Multan Cricket stadium.
Batting first, Babar helped Pakistan to a massive total in the 50-over game. Alongside Iftikhar Ahmed, Babar scored his 19th ODI ton to break multiple records in the 50-over format.
By doing so, he went past many greats of the game and became the fastest batter to score 19 tons in ODIs. After the win over Nepal, Babar stated taht this victory would give his side great confidence going into the India encounter in Pallekele.
"This game was good preparation for the India game because it gave us confidence. We want to give 100 per cent every match, hope to do that there as well," said Babar, who was named the Player of the Match. Babar made sure that records tumbled in Pakistan's campaign opener against Nepal. Babar and Iftikhar recorded a match-winning stand of 214 runs from 131 balls.
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'Rizwan gave me confidence'
“When I went in, the ball wasn't coming on properly, so I was trying to build an innings with Rizwan. Then we had a different phase, sometimes Rizwan gave me confidence, and sometimes I gave him belief. Iftikhar also played a great innings when he came on. When he came in, I told him to play his natural game and he was comfortable after 2-3 boundaries. A couple of overs we weren't up to the mark, but the way our pacers started and then the spinners were brilliant,” Babar said.
