Skipper Babar Azam’s delightful 151 and Iftikhar Ahmed’s maiden ODI century powered Pakistan to a 238-run victory in the Asia Cup opener here on Wednesday.
Babar (151 off 130) was involved in two crucial partnerships after a sedate start — first stitching 86 runs with Mohammad Rizwan (44 off 50) and then sharing a whirlwind 214 for the fifth wicket with Iftikhar (109 not out off 71 balls) — to power Pakistan to 342 for six.
The Nepal players’ inexperience came through as they were bundled out for 104 in 23.4 overs. Leg spinner Shadab Khan was the most successful bowler with four for 27.
Pakistan will now travel to Sri Lanka for the much-anticipated match against India in Pallekele on Saturday.
“This was good preparation for the India game because it gave us confidence. We want to give 100 per cent in every match, hope to do that there as well,” Babar said.
Iftikhar Ahmed in action in Multan on Wednesday. Twitter
“When I went in, I played a couple of balls. The ball wasn’t coming on, pitch was two-paced. Rizwan and I built the partnership and see what happened. Sometimes, Rizwan gave me confidence and vice-versa,” he said.
Babar decorated his knock with 14 fours and four sixes, while Iftikhar, who was at his destructive best, struck 11 boundaries and four sixes.
Pakistan made an unimpressive start to their innings, losing both the openers early. Babar was then joined by Rizwan and the duo stabilised Pakistan’s innings.
While Babar played the role of an anchor, Rizwan showed his attacking instincts during the 86-run stand for the third wicket which came off 111 balls.
But the start of their partnership was far from rosy as the duo struggled to keep the scoreboard ticking with Pakistan reaching 50 in the 12th over.
Just when he was looking threatening, Rizwan fell to a direct hit at the non-striker’s end by Dipendra Singh Airee. Rizwan paid the price for not grounding his bat.
Iftikhar’s arrival gave the much-needed boost to the innings as he played aggressively from the onset. His approach seemed to have inspired Babar as well as he too opened up thereafter.
Written with PTI inputs
