‘Asal match toh India k sath hoga’ - Fans reacted as Pakistan beat Nepal by 238 runs in Asia Cup 2023

Pakistan Cricket Team (Source- Twitter)

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam scored 151 runs to help his side to win the opening game of Asia Cup 2023. The Men in Green won the first encounter against Nepal by 238 runs. At the start of the play, Babar won the toss and opted to bat first. The home side posted a mammoth total of 342/6 in 50 overs with the help of their skipper's innings and Iftikhar Ahmed’s century. In reply, the opposition, Nepal, was bowled out for 104 runs in 23.4 overs. 

For Pakistan in the bowling department, Shadab Khan picked four wickets by giving 27 runs in 6.4 overs. Pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf together picked two wickets each as they dismissed the top order of the Rohit Paudel-led side. At the same time, Naseem Shah and  Mohammad Nawaz picked one wicket each. 

Babar Azam with his incredible knock broke many records

The No. 1 batter in the ODI rankings showed dominance with his batting skill as he scored his 31st International hundred. It was also the fourth highest for Pakistan in the 50-over format. Babar's innings included 14 fours and four sixes as he scored his made his highest ODI score. It is pertinent to mention that the 28-year-old is playing in his sixth ODI game in the Asia Cup. The most anticipated clash of Asia Cup 2023 is set to be on September 2 between India and Pakistan at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka.

In this edition of the continental championship, there are a total of six teams contesting - Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. Now for the second game of the contest Sri Lanka will take on Bangladesh at Pallekele, Sri Lanka. Interestingly, the Dasun Shanaka-led side is the defending champion of the Asia Cup as they had beaten Pakistan in the 2022 edition. 

Here is how fans reacted: 

Good exposure for Nepal

— Sports Fan (@crazyforsports7) August 30, 2023

Asal match toh India k sath hoga 💪🏻

— Waѕiyullah Budye (@WasiyullahB) August 30, 2023

No surprise at all, Nepal playing this kind of bowling lineup probably for the first time so its always coming

— Kapil (@rohitpnwr23) August 30, 2023

Nepal also did well well played both teams

— STARK (@Stark3OOO) August 30, 2023

India will cook them 😋

— Prajwal (@Kulal99) August 30, 2023

Against a weak team after toss won choose bat first how is it correct. Not a friendly match it's show wise match.

— Manas Ranjan sahu (@ManasRa24401959) August 30, 2023

Indian's aren't ready for this bowling lineup

— Chahel (@Freakin_18) August 30, 2023

This is how no 1 team beats a minnow 🔥🤤

— Arslan Khan 🎗️🇵🇰 (@ArslanK41095169) August 30, 2023