Asia Cup 2023: Good preparation for India game – Babar Azam after scoring a magnificent century against Nepal

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam feels the match against Nepal was a good preparation for the high-octane clash against arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup. Babar Azam scored a scintillating knock of 151 runs off just 131 balls against Nepal at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, helping his team register a massive win of 238 runs.

Azam timed the ball to perfection as he batted at the top of his game. The Pakistan skipper added a brilliant alliance of 214 runs off just 131 balls with Iftikhar Ahmed, who scored a fantastic knock of 109 runs.

Azam’s knock of 151 is the highest for any captain in the Asia Cup history. Furthermore, this is the second-highest individual score in the tournament after Virat Kohli’s knock of 183.

Meanwhile, Pakistan was able to tick the right boxes as they posted a huge score of 342 runs on the board after Babar Azam won the toss and decided to bat first. Subsequently, the Pakistan bowlers were right on the money as they skittled out Nepal for a paltry score of 104 runs.

Pakistan’s leg-spinner Shadab Khan returned with impressive figures of 4-27 whereas Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi scalped two wickets each.

Babar Azam said in the post-match presentation, “A couple of overs we were not up to the mark. Pacers started well, spinners struck too. This game was good preparation for the India game because it gave us confidence. We want to give 100% every match, hope to do that there as well.”

Azam gave credit to Mohammad Rizwan for giving him confidence after they lost two early wickets. The Pakistan skipper added 86 runs with Rizwan and added a big partnership with Iftikhar Ahmed.

“When I went in, I played myself in for a couple of balls. Ball wasn’t coming on, pitch was two-paced. Rizwan and I built a partnership and see what happened. Then, there were different phases. Sometimes, Rizwan gave me confidence and vice-versa.

“When Iftikhar came, we played different cricket. He can struggle a bit before he gets set. I asked him to play his natural game. After two to three fours, he was comfortable. He smacked it after 40 overs,” he added.

Pakistan will next take on India at Pallekele on Saturday.