Pakistan captain Babar Azam was happy with Pakistan’s preparations ahead of the much-awaited clash against India in the Asia Cup 2023. On Wednesday, August 29, Pakistan beat Nepal by 238 runs in the opening match of the tournament at the Multan Cricket Stadium as well. After setting a target of 343 for Nepal to chase down, Pakistan bundled them out for 104 in 23.4 overs.
“A couple of overs we were not up to the mark. Pacers started well, spinners struck too. This game was good preparation for the India game because it gave us confidence. We want to give 100% every match, hope to do that there as well,” he said after the game.
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However, Babar Azam became the Player of the Match after he scored 151 runs off 131 balls which also included 14 fours and four sixes. He also added 214 runs with Iftikhar Ahmed, who stayed not out on 109 off 71 as well. Babar also thanked Mohammad Rizwan for giving him confidence after Pakistan lost both their openers, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq very quickly in the game.
“When I went in, I played myself in for a couple of balls. Ball wasn’t coming on, pitch was two-paced. Rizwan and I built a partnership and see what happened. Then, there were different phases. Sometimes, Rizwan gave me confidence and vice-versa. When Iftikhar came, we played different cricket. He can struggle a bit before he gets set. I asked him to play his natural game. After two-three fours, he was comfortable. He smacked it after 40 overs,” Babar Azam concluded.
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After beating Nepal, Pakistan will now travel to Sri Lanka where they will take on Rohit Sharma-led India at the Pallekele International Stadium as well.
