The Asia Cup 2023 has officially begun and how! The continental heavyweights Pakistan beat the scruff out of Nepal in the opening encounter by a mammoth 238 runs.
The match saw an interesting record being set after Pakistan skipper Babar Azam hit an effortless century. He scored 151 against Nepal, the second-highest score in the history of the Asia Cup.
In the Group A clash, the hosts were too good for minnows Nepal. Pakistan scored 342 runs for the loss of six wickets in the first innings. Nepal were of no match for the Men in Green, who recorded a 238-run victory against their opponents.
MORE: Bet on Asia Cup 2023 from India
What is the highest individual score by a batsman in Asia Cup history?
The highest individual score in Asia Cup ODI history was by Virat Kohli against arch-rivals Pakistan back in 2012. The Indian batter scored 183 runs in a group stage match against Pakistan. Kohli's 148-ball 183 ensured that India chased a target of 330 runs in under 48 overs. The Delhi-born batter hit 22 boundaries and just one six in his innings of 183. It is Kohli's highest score in ODIs to date.
On Wednesday, Babar Azam hit 151 runs off 131 deliveries in the first innings against Nepal in the tournament opener in the Asia Cup 2023. Pakistan skipper was on-song throughout his innings before perishing eventually to the hands of Sompal Kami. Azam hit 14 boundaries and four maximums during his stay at the crease.
Babar Azam made the second-highest score in Asia Cup history on Wednesday 👏#PAKvNEP pic.twitter.com/OQ6VoFoVfd
— ICC (@ICC) August 30, 2023
MORE: How many ODI Centuries has Babar Azam scored against India?
Top 5 individual scores in Asia Cup ODI History
The list of top 5 batters to score highest scores in Asia Cup (ODI) History includes three Pakistan batsmen, one Indian, and one Bangladesh batter. Virat Kohli holds the record for the highest individual score in a single match (183).
| Batter | Country | Opponent | Year | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | India | Pakistan | 2012 | 183 |
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | Nepal | 2023 | 151 |
| Younis Khan | Pakistan | Hong Kong | 2004 | 144 |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh | Sri Lanka | 2018 | 144 |
| Shoaib Malik | Pakistan | India | 2004 | 143 |
Kohli and Babar are the only batsmen to have crossed the 150-run mark in a single inning in Asia Cup history. The duo will face each other at the Asia Cup 2023 as India lock horns against Pakistan on September 2 in Pallekele.
MORE: India vs Pakistan: Ishan Kishan to open and Rohit Sharma to drop down the order in Asia Cup?
