Published on: Aug 27, 2023 10:00 am IST|Updated on: Sep 1, 2023 5:46 pm IST
The inaugural match of the 2023 Asia Cup edition is poised to take place between Pakistan and Nepal at Multan Cricket Stadium on August 30. The game will kick off at 3 PM IST. This will be the first official encounter between both sides in international cricket. Pakistan completed an impressive ODI series victory against a resurgent Afghanistan side in Sri Lanka. They have got some much-needed game time ahead of the crucial Asia Cup tournament. Nepal on the other hand, played some gritty cricket in the World Cup Qualifiers back in Zimbabwe but ended up on the losing side on numerous instances.
As we gear up for the upcoming PAK vs NEP Dream11 match, here is everything that you need to know about the first match of the Asia Cup 2023.
Pakistan vs Nepal, Match 1 30 August, 3 PM IST Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan, Pakistan
Table of Contents
Interestingly enough, Pakistan and Nepal have never faced each other in any format in international cricket. However, the two teams did come head-to-head in an unofficial warm-up fixture arranged in the UAE back in 2015. Pakistan posted a strong total of 306/6 courtesy of a brilliant knock from Azar Ali (73 off 73). In response, Nepal started off slowly and could eventually muster 205 runs in their allotted 50 overs at the loss of 5 wickets.
Form Guide
Pakistan: WWLWW Nepal: LWLLW
The deck at Multan Stadium is known for high-scoring games. It is a perfect wicket to bat first and put pressure on the opposition. The surface is quite dry and the bowlers don’t get much help from this wicket. Spinners come into play at this venue, especially in the second innings when the ball gets old. As per past records, the average first innings score at this venue is 255. Hence, the toss winner should bat first on this wicket as it is easier to bat first than second.
Last result at the venue
Match: Pakistan vs West Indies Pakistan: 269/9 in 48 overs West Indies: 216/10 in 37.2
Pakistan won by 53 runs (DLS method).
Paksitan have announced Playing XI for the match.
Mohammad Nawaz is selected ahead of Faheem Ahraf and Usama Mir.
Babar Azam’s Record in ODI
Imam Ul Haq’s Record in ODI
As per reports, the national cricket team of Nepal arrived on August 24 to start their preparation well in advance for this crucial Asia Cup tournament.
Dipendra Singh Airee’s Record in ODI
Rohit Paudel’s Record in ODI
On paper, Pakistan certainly looks like a much stronger side going into this fixture. They are a world-class side and would not be fussed by competing against an associate nation. The Men in Green are way ahead of Nepal in terms of experience and have played a lot of cricket at the highest level. Nepal on the other hand, have a poor ODI record, let alone their record against test-playing nations. An easy win for Pakistan is surely on the cards.
Wicket-keepers: Mohammad Rizwan Batsmen: Rohit Paudel, Babar Azam, Kushal Bhurtel, Imam Ul Haq All-rounder: Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Sompal Kami Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sandeep Lamichhane, Naseem Shah
For Small League, Head to Head contest: Babar Azam, Imam Ul Haq
For Grand League, Mega Contest: Rohit Paudel, Sandeep Lamichhane
Telecast: Star Sports
Live Streaming: Hotstar, Fancode
Tags: Asia Cup 2023NepalPakistan