“Cricket Clash: Live Updates on Pakistan vs Nepal in Exciting Asia Cup 2023 Encounter”

PAK vs NEP Live Score, Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan vs Nepal Asia Cup 2023 Live Updates

Babar Azam Elects to Bat

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has won the toss and elected to bat in the opening game of the Asia Cup against first-timer Nepal on Wednesday. Both teams are placed in Group A alongside India, with the top two sides qualifying for the Super 4 stage. Nepal captain Rohit Paudel said it was a “historic moment” for his country to compete against the heavyweights of cricket. Nepal qualified for the Asia Cup after beating United Arab Emirates in the final of the qualifier.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (w), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.

Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (w), Rohit Paudel (c), Aarif Sheikh, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi.

First Powerplay Done

Pakistan‘s powerplay was not too different from Nepal‘s in terms of runs. However, the problem for Nepal is the scoreboard pressure and the difference in the quality of bowling. After 10 overs, Nepal is 47/3.

A Good Partnership Blooming

Aarif and Sompal have weathered the initial storm and are now batting with freedom and playing some sublime shots. The ball has stopped moving and they are capitalizing on the initial hard work. After 9.1 overs, Nepal is 46/3.

The Ball Stopped Moving

The ball has stopped swinging from both ends. Anything that is pitched up is coming off nicely onto the bat, and Nepal batters are playing some sublime drives. It seems like the initial spark that was there is now gone. After 8 overs, Nepal is 42/3.

What Can Nepal Do in This Game?

The way things have panned out in this game so far, the winner seems to be pretty evident. The best thing for Nepal to do would be to bat their quota of overs and let the batters spend time in the middle, draw experience, and come better prepared next time when they face an attack of this quality. After 6.1 overs, Nepal is 30/3.

Shaheen Not Getting His Line Right

Though he has picked up two wickets, Shaheen is struggling to get his line right today. He has been drifting down the pads throughout his spell so far. Nepal batters, on the other hand, are not being able to make use of those poor deliveries down the leg side. After 5 overs, Nepal is 26/3.

Hostile Bowling from Pakistan

This has been hostile fast bowling from Pakistan. Shaheen is swinging the ball from one end, and Naseem Shah is troubling the batters with sheer pace from the other end. This is one of the most lethal new ball attacks that Nepal‘s openers will have faced to date. After 3.3 overs, Nepal is 18/3.

Naseem Shah Picks Up Sheikh

It was a poor shot from the opener. He drove a delivery that was not full enough and neither did he have the intention to send it to the boundary. In the end, it was a nothing shot that took the outside edge for a simple catch to Iftikhar. Brilliant start from Pakistan, this is already looking bad for Nepal. After 2.1 overs, Nepal is 18/3.

Shaheen Shah Afridi Picks Up Two Wickets in the Over

The left-arm bowler first got Bhurtel and then skipper Rohit. He started poorly by delivering a few down the legside, which the batters sent for boundaries. However, after Bhurtel was strangled down the leg side, Shaheen got his line and length right the very next ball. Poor start from Nepal in the run-chase. After 1.3 overs, Nepal is 14/2.

Iftikhar Ahmed Smashes 100 off 67 Balls

It has been a stunning knock from the batter. He came in when Pakistan was in a bit of trouble; however, he played a counter-attacking innings right from the word go. He not only supported Babar Azam, but he also put the pressure back on Nepal. This is a massive score by Pakistan now on this wicket. After 49.2 overs, Pakistan is 342/6.

Babar Azam Scores His 19th ODI Ton

It has been a sublime innings from the Pakistan skipper. He has played some fantastic shots throughout the innings. He looked in the zone right from the first ball he faced. Though there was a tricky period in between when wickets were falling from the other end, he kept his cool and continued to bat. A brilliant knock from the captain, and he is leading from the front. After 42 overs, Pakistan is 228/4.

Pakistan Captain Babar Azam Approaches a Century

Babar Azam is stuck on 97. He has played very well so far, and it was a very subtle approach to the innings. He took his time initially and then slowly changed gears after going past 50. He will be looking to get to that three-figure mark and continue to push on from there. After 40 overs, Pakistan is 213/4.

Babar Azam Reaches Fifty

Babar Azam reaches his 29th ODI half-century. He has played sensibly so far, and now he needs to attack the bowling and put some pressure back on the Nepali bowlers. After 29.2 overs, Pakistan is 137/4.

Pakistan Rebuilding After Losing Wickets

Pakistan‘s innings started with two quick wickets falling, and now Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan are rebuilding the innings. They are rotating the strike and looking to build a solid partnership. After 19 overs, Pakistan is 84/2.

Quality Bowling from Nepal

Despite losing a couple of early wickets, Pakistan‘s batters are struggling to score freely due to some quality bowling from Nepal. The pitch seems to be aiding the Nepali bowlers, and it will be interesting to see if Pakistan can break free and post a competitive total. After 12 overs, Pakistan is 56/2.

Pakistan Off to a Good Start

Pakistan has got off to a good start, with both openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq looking comfortable at the crease. They have been scoring runs at a good rate and have not given any chances to the Nepali bowlers. After 6 overs, Pakistan is 25/0.

Editorial and Analysis

The opening game of the Asia Cup 2023 between Pakistan and Nepal promised an intriguing clash between a cricketing powerhouse and an emerging team. However, the match has turned into a one-sided affair, with Pakistan dominating in all aspects.

Pakistan‘s decision to bat first after winning the toss proved fruitful, as their top order batsmen performed exceptionally well. Babar Azam, the Pakistan skipper, led the charge with a brilliant century, while Iftikhar Ahmed provided valuable support with a quickfire hundred off just 67 balls. The partnership between the two proved to be a game-changer, as they propelled Pakistan to a mammoth total of 342/6.

Nepal, on the other hand, struggled right from the start of their innings. Pakistan‘s formidable pace attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, wreaked havoc, taking early wickets and putting Nepal on the back foot. The Nepali batsmen struggled to cope with the hostile bowling and were reduced to 30/3 in the first powerplay.

The match highlighted the vast difference in skill and experience between the two teams. While Pakistan boasts a line-up filled with experienced players and world-class talent, Nepal is still in the early stages of their cricketing journey. However, this experience will prove invaluable for Nepal as they look to develop and grow as a cricketing nation.

It is crucial for Nepal to learn from this match and use it as a stepping stone for future success. They should focus on gaining valuable experience and developing their skills against top-quality opposition. The Asia Cup provides a unique opportunity for the Nepali players to showcase their talent and learn from the best in the world.

As for Pakistan, their dominant performance in this match sends out a strong message to the other teams in the tournament. They have displayed their batting firepower and potent bowling attack, which will make them a force to be reckoned with in the Asia Cup.

Overall, the opening match of the Asia Cup 2023 has highlighted the contrasting levels of cricketing prowess between Pakistan and Nepal. While Pakistan has shown their strength and depth, Nepal has shown resilience and a willingness to compete against stronger teams. The Asia Cup will continue to be an exciting tournament to watch, with many more thrilling encounters to come.

Advice to Nepal:

Nepal‘s performance in the opening game of the Asia Cup against Pakistan was a learning experience for the team. Despite the loss, there were positives to take away from the match, and the team should build on those and aim to improve in future games.

Firstly, Nepal needs to focus on developing their batting technique against quality pace bowling. Pakistan‘s formidable pace attack posed a significant challenge for the Nepali batsmen, and they struggled to cope with the pace, swing, and bounce. It is crucial for the batsmen to work on their footwork, shot selection, and playing with a straight bat to counter high-quality pace bowling.

Secondly, Nepal should pay attention to their fielding, which let them down in the opening match. They dropped catches and missed run-out opportunities, which allowed Pakistan to build a big total. Fielding is an essential aspect of the game, and improving in this area will make a significant difference in close matches.

Lastly, Nepal should continue to promote and nurture young talent in the country. The Asia Cup provides an excellent platform for young players to gain exposure and learn from playing against top-quality opposition. The team should focus on player development and provide opportunities for youngsters to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.

Overall, Nepal‘s journey in the Asia Cup is a marathon, not a sprint. The team should view each match as a chance to learn, grow, and gain valuable experience. With time, dedication, and a focus on player development, Nepal has the potential to become a strong cricketing nation and compete with the best in the world.