Cricket News Asia Cup 2023

‘Aaj padosi achay mood mein hain’ - Fans react as Irfan Pathan praises Babar Azam for scoring century against Nepal in Asia Cup 2023

Irfan Pathan tweeted praising Babar Azam for his outstanding century against Nepal in the 2023 Asia Cup opener.

author-image
Akshay
New Update
Babar Azam & Irfan Pathan

Babar Azam & Irfan Pathan (Source-Twitter

Babar Azam & Irfan Pathan Babar Azam & Irfan Pathan (Source-Twitter

Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup for the first time in 15 years. It was the opening match of the 2023 Asia Cup in Multan, and Nepal was competing for the first time. However, Babar Azam made sure that all attention was firmly focused on him by the end of Pakistan's innings. 

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan could not contain his joy after witnessing the Pakistan skipper casually breaking numerous records during their massive win over Nepal. Praising the 28-year-old, Pathan tweeted: "Babar Azam showcasing his brilliance once again with a superb 100! When it comes to scoring runs, he's in a league of his own."

Apart from Pathan, many other cricketers and fans also congratulated Babar as they recognised the significance of this achievement in a high-profile tournament like the Asia Cup. Many hailed him as a future legend of cricket, drawing comparisons to some of the greatest players in history. The unity among fans transcended borders and rivalries, highlighting the universal language that sports can speak.

"Listen, he is poetry in motion. He is so easy on the eyes. Even though on the scorecard, it was Nepal as the opposition, you have to keep in mind how well they bowled. They were in the game until the 40th over. He really had to work hard, the conditions were not easy, it was hot, it was humid," said former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta, who was part of the commentary team.

Pakistan outmuscles Nepal in opening match of Asia Cup 2023

Talking about the match, Pakistan outplayed Nepal in Multan on Wednesday, scoring a massive 342/6 in 50 overs despite losing early wickets. Two brilliant centuries from captain Babar and Iftikhar Ahmed set the tone for the hosts.

Following their massive 214-run partnership for the fifth wicket, the Pakistani pacers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah put on a devastating bowling display. Shaheen started things off with the new ball by striking twice in the first over. Eventually, Pakistan bowled out Nepal for just 104 runs in 23.4 overs, with all-rounder Shadab Khan getting 4-27 and the pace bowling tandem of Haris Rauf and Shaheen taking two wickets each. 

In the second match of the Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka will lock horns with Bangladesh on Thursday, August 31 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele. 

See how fans reacted to Irfan Pathan praising Babar Azam:

 

Pakistan Babar Azam Irfan Pathan Asia Cup 2023