Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Pakistan has set Nepal a target of 343 runs in the inaugural match of the Asia Cup 2023 at Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan on Wednesday.
Electing to bat first, Pakistan amassed a total of 342 runs while losing six wickets in the allotted 50 overs. Nepal started strong with the ball, dismissing both openers within just 6.1 overs with 25 runs on the scoreboard. However, Captain Babar Azam frustrated young Nepali bowlers, playing an amazing knock of 151 runs off 131 balls, which included four sixes and 14 fours.
The third-wicket partnership between Azam and Mohammad Rizwan added 86 runs for Pakistan. Babar continued to shine adding 214 runs from just 131 balls for the fifth wicket with Iftikhar Ahmed. Ahmed himself hit his maiden ton, scoring 109 runs from 71 balls which included 11 fours and four sixes, in the process.
Sompal Kami took two wickets for Nepal, while Karan KC and Sandeep Lamichhane each claimed a wicket. Two Pakistani batsmen were run out.
