Host Pakistan aims to begin their 2023 Asia Cup journey on a positive note as they face Nepal in the inaugural match at Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Asia Cup is considered to be one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world of cricket.
After a successful series against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka, where they emerged victorious in all three matches, Captain Babar Azam is eager for the team to maintain their winning streak in this Asia Cup opener.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s performance in the ICC World Cup Qualifier 2023 was lackluster, securing only one win out of four matches in the competition.
VENUE FOR THE ASIA CUP OPENER
The Multan Cricket Stadium’s pitch has gained renown for hosting high-scoring matches, often favoring the team that bats first to establish dominance. The dry pitch offers limited help to bowlers, making it a challenge for them. However, spinners excel as the match progresses, especially later on when the ball’s condition worsens.
Winning the toss becomes a strategic advantage, as choosing to bat first is preferable due to the pitch becoming more difficult for batting later in the game. Captains are likely to consider this trend when deciding at the toss to gain an early upper hand.
Average 1st Inns score: 254
Average 2nd Inns score: 206
TEAM PREVIEW
NEPAL
The team’s batting unit will rely on players such as Aasif Sheikh, Rohit Paudel, Kushal Bhurtel, and Kushal Malla to contribute the majority of the runs.
Starting from August 2022, Aasif Sheikh has been leading Nepal’s batting performance in limited-overs matches. Over 25 ODIs, he has amassed 673 runs with an average of 30.59. He has secured one century and five half-centuries during this period.
In the bowling category, the team will look to Sandeep Lamichhane, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, and Dipendra Singh Airee to provide crucial breakthroughs.
Since August 2022, Sandeep Lamichhane has stood out as Nepal’s top bowler in one-day internationals. Across 19 ODIs, Lamichhane has claimed 42 wickets, averaging at 20.00 per dismissal.
PROBABLE XI OF NEPAL AGAINST PAKISTAN
Rohit Paudel (c), Arjun Saud, Kushal Malla, Kushal Bhurtel, Gyanendra Malla, Bhim Sarki, Aasif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, Sompal Kami.
PAKISTAN
The responsibility in the batting aspect will fall on players such as captain Babar Azam, openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-Ul-Haq, as well as the middle-order combination consisting of Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, and Iftikhar Ahmed, to be the main contributors in terms of scoring runs.
During the previous series, both openers Imam-Ul-Haq and Babar Azam demonstrated consistent performance with the bat on behalf of Pakistan. Fakhar Zaman, on the other hand, will aim to regain his form, having faced difficulties in accumulating runs against Afghanistan.
In terms of bowling, Pakistan will heavily depend on the trio of fast bowlers including Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf, to establish an early advantage with the new ball.
When it comes to slower bowling options, Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan will serve as the primary choices for this initial contest.
PROBABLE XI OF NEPAL AGAINST PAKISTAN:
Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-Ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Agha Salman, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah.
PREDICTION FOR THE MATCH
Pakistan is looking for some great form coming in for the Asia Cup as they whitewashed Afghanistan in the recently completed ODI Series. Nepal will find it very difficult to defeat Pakistan on their home turf.
Prediction: Pakistan to Beat Nepal and make a promising start to the Asia Cup 2023
ASIA CUP 2023 BROADCAST DETAILS:
For fans eagerly awaiting, live streaming of the Asia Cup 2023 will be available on the popular OTT platform, Disney+ Hotstar.
Additionally, Star Sports 1, Star Sports Hindi 1, Star Sports 1 HD and Star Sports Hindi 1 HD will telecast the matches live on Television, ensuring a wider reach for cricket enthusiasts across the country.