Pakistan vs Nepal Asia Cup 2023 Upates:
Inspired Nepal Bowlers Show Promise Against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2023 Opener
Multan, August 30, 2023 – The Asia Cup 2023 has kicked off with a riveting clash between Nepal and Pakistan at the Multan Cricket Ground. As the teams took to the field, Nepal’s bowlers displayed remarkable resilience on what seemed to be a flat wicket.
Despite not employing aggressive lines and lengths, the Nepal bowlers strategically utilized their field placements and maintained a disciplined approach. Although a few instances of uncertainty emerged in their catching and ground fielding, Nepal managed to deliver an inspired performance so far. Pakistan reached a score of 106/2 after 23.1 overs.
In the initial overs, both Nepal bowlers opted not to seek swing but aimed to restrict the flow of runs and induce errors from the Pakistani batters. With Fakhar and Imam at the crease, two quality batsmen, the early wickets hold the key for Nepal’s success. Currently, Pakistan stands at 11/0 after 3.2 overs.
Weather Report: Though hot, remains suitable for cricket. The pitch is conducive to batting, hinting at a challenging task ahead for Nepal. Pakistan boasts formidable batting depth and quality in its lineup, posing a significant challenge for the Nepalese team. The opening overs could be pivotal for Nepal’s seamers, determining if swing is achievable with the new ball and creating opportunities.
Pitch Report: Aamir Sohail‘s pitch report accentuated the favorable conditions, setting the stage for an engaging contest between the two teams.
Nepal’s journey to the Asia Cup itself is a triumph; having achieved ODI status only in 2018, their rapid progress in this format is evident with series wins against teams like the USA and Netherlands. A recent victory over UAE secured their spot in the ACC Premier Cup Final, leading them to the prestigious Asia Cup. This event has united the nation in cricketing fervor, allowing their young team to gain invaluable experience alongside the world’s best. While making it out of the group might require a significant upset, Nepal’s presence on this stage marks a remarkable achievement.
As the sun graced the afternoon in Multan, an exciting day of cricket awaits both teams and eager spectators.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Asia Cup unfolds.
Pakistan vs Nepal Asia Cup 2023 Preview:
In the inaugural match of the Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, has won the toss and chosen to bat. The game, taking place on Wednesday, features first-time participant Nepal. Both teams find themselves in Group A, sharing space with India. The top two teams from this group will advance to the Super 4 stage.
Expressing his sentiments, Nepal’s captain, Rohit Paudel, marked the occasion as a pivotal moment in his country’s history, as they take on the cricketing heavyweights. Nepal secured their spot in the Asia Cup by triumphing over the United Arab Emirates in the qualifier finals. Pakistan, on the other hand, recently climbed to the summit of the International Cricket Council’s ODI rankings, displaying their dominance with a clean 3-0 victory over Afghanistan.
Pakistan has strategically composed its playing XI with key players, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, forming a formidable pace attack.
Pakistan vs Nepal : Playing XI
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (w), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf.
Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (w), Rohit Paudel (c), Aarif Sheikh, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, , Lalit Rajbanshi, Sandeep Lamichhane.
Key players to watch out in Nepal’s team
Out of the Nepal squad, only two players, namely leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane and all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee, boast prior experience in T20 leagues. With the exception of Lamichhane, who has participated in the Pakistan Super League, the rest of the players possess limited familiarity with the prevailing playing conditions at this venue.
When will Asia Cup 2023 start?
The Asia Cup 2023 is set to commence on August 30th at the Multan Cricket Ground located in Multan.
What time the match starts?
The toss for the first match of Asia Cup 2023 between PAK and NEP will occur at 2:30 PM IST on August 30th.
Where to watch Asia Cup 2023?
The Asia Cup 2023 is scheduled for live and exclusive broadcast on the Star Sports network. Additionally, it will be available for free streaming on the Disney+Hotstar app.
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