Nepal got off to a dream start in their debut Asia Cup campaign as they managed to send two Pakistani openers back to the pavilion within 25 runs.
While Karan KC managed to dismiss Fakhar Zaman for just 14 runs in the sixth over, Imam-ul-Haq got run out soon for just five.
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The early dismissals forced Pakistan's ace batsmen Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to come out on the pitch in just the seventh over.
Indian spinner R. Ashwin was left impressed as Nepal struck early through the Pakistan innings as he applauded the Nepalese bowlers. But he also cautioned them that their next will be top get rid off Pakistan's danger man and captain Babar Azam as early as possible to build further pressure on the hosts.
On social media, Ashwin wrote,
Pretty impressive from Nepal so far, but they have to get past this man now.
Pretty impressive from Nepal so far, but they have to get past this man now. #PAKvNEP pic.twitter.com/lPQnNYCoGp
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 30, 2023
How have Pakistan performed against Nepal in the Asia Cup opener?
After the early blows into their innings, Babar Azam and Rizwan built a strong partnership of 86 runs before Rizwan got runout for 44.
Babar Azam is now looking to score a half-century and is not out at 43. as Pakistan are 113/3 in 24 overs.
MORE: Pakistan v Nepal: Live updates and scores
