PAK VS NEP MATCH 1

That is all we have from this one-sided affair as Pakistan start their campaign with a massive win. Nepal's first match in the Asia Cup did not go as planned and they will want to put a better performance in the next game. The action in the 2023 Asia Cup continues on Thursday 31st  August as Bangladesh take on Sri Lanka in the second Match for a Group B tie. The first ball will be bowled at 3 pm IST (9.30 am GMT) but as you know, you can join us for the build-up well in advance. Until then. goodbye and cheers!

Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan is the Player of the Match for his remarkable innings of 151 runs in 131 deliveries. He says that when he went out to bat he played a few balls. Claims that the ball was not coming onto the bat properly and the pitch was a bit two-paced. Mentions that Mohammad Rizwan and he built the partnership after that and they decided to see how it goes. Adds that Rizwan sometimes gives him confidence and at times he does the same for him. Reckons that when Iftikhar Ahmed came out to bat, he changed the game so credits him for his hundred. Shares that when Iftikhar came out to the middle, he struggled a bit but he told him to play his natural game and after a couple of boundaries, he looked set as he smashed it around to finish the game. Tells that he is satisfied with the performance barring a couple of overs that were not up to the mark but the way the pacers started and the spinners finished the game was encouraging. Ends by saying that a win always gives confidence so their mindset is good and India versus Pakistan is always high-intensity so they want to do their best.

Time for the presentations...

Shadab Khan will have a word after his 4-wicket haul. He says that it is definitely quite hot but so was Sri Lanka, though there was a little bit of rain out and here it is just humid. Adds that they are professionals so they need to adjust. Mentions that Babar Azam is a world-class player but the way Iftikhar Ahmed is playing in the last few games is amazing. Claims that he is a power-hitter and takes his opportunity for the Pakistan team which makes him an asset. Informs that it is easy to do spin bowling when they have world-class bowlers taking wickets upfront. Ends by saying that the conditions will most likely be different in the next game but with the way they are playing, they have confidence in each other.

Rohit Paudel, the skipper of Nepal says that they started well. Adds that till the 40th over they managed to restrict their opposition to below 230-240. Gives credit to Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed saying that they took the game from them. Mentions that they could have done better with the bat. Claims that there were not many wicket-taking balls in the middle overs but credits the way Babar batted. Ends by saying that they learnt a few things from this game like they need to improve in death overs and the batting order needs to click.

Time for some interviews...

The Nepal batters, notably lacking the experience to counter the relentless Pakistani bowlers, encountered substantial difficulty in mounting any substantial resistance. Only three batters managed to surpass the 10-run mark, and their collective struggles culminated in a meagre total of 104 runs before being bowled out. The Pakistani bowlers' performance was instrumental in this comprehensive victory, showcasing their prowess and depth in the bowling department.

Pakistan's pace-oriented attack proved to be a formidable obstacle for Nepal's top-order batters, with Shaheen Afridi setting the tone by claiming 2 wickets in the opening over, including dismissing Nepal's captain for a first-ball duck. Subsequently, the dynamic pace trio of Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf continued to dismantle Nepal's batting lineup, collectively securing 5 crucial wickets. After the fast bowlers had made their impact, Shadab Khan the leg spin wizard of Pakistan took charge to wrap up Nepal's innings with 4 wickets in his 6.4 overs, effectively sealing the victory for his captain.

The Nepal batting lineup experienced a swift and challenging outing at the crease, ultimately being bundled out for a mere 104 runs in a mere 23.4 overs by the clinical Pakistani bowlers, who displayed exceptional skills with the swinging ball under the evening floodlights. This resounding victory marked Pakistan's first triumph in the Asia Cup 2023 as they sealed a massive 238-run win.

OUT! LBW! Shadab Khan has four wickets in this match! Lobbed up on the toes. Lalit Rajbanshi has mistimed his shot and the ball hits the pads first. There is an appeal and it is given out by the umpire. He has reviewed the decision. The UltraEdge shows there is no connection on the bat and the ball tracking shows all three reds. The decision stands and Nepal is all out for 104 runs.

Full and turning on the stumps. Lalit Rajbanshi has blocked it down the ground.

Lalit Rajbanshi is the last batter for Nepal.

OUT! CAUGHT! Shadab Khan strikes again! He bowls this fullish and on the off pole. Kushal Malla went to loft it over mid off but mistimed the shot. The ball goes to the fielder in that area as Iftikhar Ahmed completes a simple catch. Shadab Khan gets his third as Kushal Malla has to depart.

Full and turning away from off. Karan KC punches it to deep cover for a single.

A bit short and over off. Kushal Malla punches it back to the bowler to end the over.

SIX! UP UP AND AWAY! Mohammad Nawaz has bowled this one full and in the slot just outside off. Kushal Malla gets in line and hits the ball with the spin. He got under the ball well and muscles this down the ground over the long on fence for a maximum.

Lobbed up and on the leg. Karan KC drives it to mid on for a single.