Pakistan Sets Massive 343-Run Target Against Nepal

In the opening match of the Asia Cup Cricket, Pakistan set an impressive target of 343 runs against Nepal after winning the toss and choosing to bat at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan’s innings got off to a challenging start as Karan KC dismissed opener Fakhar Zaman for 21 runs. Soon after, opener Imam Ulhaq was run out for just 4 runs due to a direct hit by Nepal’s captain Rohit Kumar Paudel.

However, Captain Babar Azam took charge of the innings, forming an 86-run partnership with Mohammad Riwaz. Riwaz’s innings was cut short by a run-out caused by Dipendra Singh Airi after contributing to the team’s total.

After adding 23 more runs, Salman Ali Agha fell to Sandeep Lamichhane’s delivery, caught by Kushal Bhurtel. Captain Babar Azam found a strong ally in Iftikhar Ahmed, as both players teamed up to contribute a significant 214-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Babar Azam’s outstanding performance stood out as he reached his 19th career century in the 41.2nd over and eventually reached 150 runs by the 47.6th over. Iftikhar Ahmed also achieved his maiden century before the last ball of the subsequent over.

Sompal Kami managed to dismiss Babar Azam after his remarkable 151-run innings, taking his wicket before the last two balls were played. Azam’s innings featured 14 fours and 4 sixes.

In the final moments of the game, Sompal Kami took the wicket of Shadab Khan in the last ball, concluding Pakistan’s innings at a total of 342 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.

Nepal’s bowlers put up a fight, with Sompal Kami taking 2 wickets, while Karan KC and Sandeep Lamichhane claimed 1 wicket each.