Babar 151, Iftikhar 109* power Pakistan to 342

Babar Azam’s 19th ODI hundred and Iftikhar Ahmed’s maiden ton came in a record 214-run association for the fifth wicket as Pakistan posted an imposing 342/6 against Nepal after opting to bat in the opening game of Asia Cup 2023 in Multan on Wednesday (August 30).

There were late cuts, sweep shots, straight hits, one-handed pulls, plenty of flicks and powerful shots through midwicket in the 14 fours and 4 sixes scored by Babar in his 131-ball 151 while Iftikhar lived up to his big-hitting reputation as he struck 11 fours and 4 maximums in his 71-ball stay for 109 as they left Nepal with an uphill task.

Brief scores:

Pakistan 342/6 in 50 overs (Babar Azam 151, Iftikhar Ahmed 109*; Sompal Kami 2-85) vs Nepal.