Paksitan sets 343 runs target for Nepal to chase

All thanks to massive and thundrous batting from skipper Babar Azam (151) and Iftikhar Ahmed (109*), Pakistan has set a massive target of 343 runs for Nepal to chase in 50 overs.

Though Babar was dismissed on the 49.4 over by Sompal Kami, he did his part, setting the tune for the Asia Cup 2023.

Iftikhar completes 100, Pak at 331/4 in 49 overs

Now Iftikhar (101) completes his maiden ODI century. Pakistan is at 331/4 in 49 overs.

Babar completes 150, Pak at 313/4 in 48 overs

Skipper Babar Azam (150) is on a hitting row and completed his 150 runs is style. Along with this Pakistan breached the 300-runs mark, all thanks to the explosive innings of Iftikhar Ahmed (87). Pakistan is at 311/4 in 48 overs.

Babar, Iftikhar pace innings, Pakistan at 275/4 in 45 overs

Both Babar and Iftikhar are showing no interest in setting the Nepal bowlers to rest. Both the players are hitting the ballers and driving the balls to boundaries. Pakistan is at 275/4 in 45 overs.

Iftikhar takes charge, Pakistan at 255/4 in 44 overs

Iftikhar shows no mercy to Nepal bowling attack post compleing his half century. Pakistan is at 255/4 in 44 overs.

Babar hits century, 50 for Iftihar, Pakistan at 228/4 in 42 overs

With Iftikhar Ahmed (51) on his side, skipper Babar Azam (102) showed no mercy and completed his century. This is his 19th century. Pakistan is at 228/4 in 42 overs.

Babar close to century, Pak at 190/4 in 36 overs

 Pakistan skipper Babar Azam (89) is on a hitting row and close to century. With Iftikhar Ahmed (26) on his side, he is showing no mercy to Nepal bowling attack. Pakistan scored 190/4 in 36 overs.

Pakistan vs Nepal Live Score: SIX! Iftikhar with the first maximum of the match

Pakistan vs Nepal Live Score: SIX! Iftikhar with the first maximum of the match

150 up for Pakistan, at 152/4 in 32 overs

With skipper Babar Azam (69) in form and momentum, Pakistan managed to reach 150-plus in 32 overs and is at 152/4. 

Babar on song now, Pakistan at 143/4 in 31 overs

After hitting his half century, skipper Babar Azam is pacing the runrate for Pakistan, as team scored 143/4 in 31 overs.

50 up for Babar, Pakistan at 133/4 in 29 overs

Despite facing challeges to keep the momemtum going after losing the openers, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam (56*) has scored half century. This is his third fifty in last three innings. Pakistan at 133/4 in 29 overs.

Agha Salman OUT! Pakistan at 124/4 in 28 overs

Pakistan loses its 4th wicket as Agha Salman (5) taken by Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane. Iftikhar Ahmed* walks in to the pitch as Pakistani skipper Babar Azam is on his way to hit half century. Pakistan at 124/4 in 28 overs.

Babar close to half century, Pakistan at 116/3

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam is close to his half century as he scored 45 in 64 balls. Pakistan at 116/3 in 25 overs. 

Rizwan RUN OUT, Pakistan at 112/3

A direct hit from Lamichhane and Rizwan gets RUN OUT. Rizwan scored 44 runs in 50 balls. Agha Salman enter the pitch. Pakistan at 112/3 in 24 overs.

100 up for Pakistan, at 102/2 in 22 overs

Both skipper Babar and hitter Rizwan kept their mind cool after Pakistan lost early wickets and helped the team cross hundred runs mark in 22 overs. Currently, Pakistan is at 102/2 in 22 overs. 

Drinks called, Pakistan at 65/2 in 14 overs

Drinks called, Pakistan at 65/2 in 14 overs

Babar, Rizwan look to rebuild Pakistan, at 49/2 in 11 overs

Despite a good start in the home ground at Multan, Pakistan lost both its openers. Now, Babar and Rizwan are looking to rebuild Pakistan, as the team scored 49/2 in 11 overs.

Babar, Rizwan stabilise innings, Pakistan at 44/2 in 10 overs

With Babar and Rizwan on the pitch, runs keep rolling for Pakistan, as the team scored 44 runs in 10 overs after losing 2 wickets. 

Babar, Rizwan stablise innings, Pakistan at 31/2 in 8 overs

After losing back to back wickets, both Babar and Rizwan are trying to stablise the inning. Pakistan is at 31/2 in 8 overs.

Imam RUN OUT! Pakistan at 29/2 in 7 overs

A direct hit by Nepal’s Sompal Kami and Pakistan’s Imam-ul-Haq walks back to the pavilion. Pakistan loses second wicket. Mohammad Rizwan walks in to the pitch. Pakistan at 29/2 in 7 overs.

Karan departs Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan at 25/1

Nepal’s Karan KC takes the first wicket for his country as he departs Fakhar Zaman. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam enters the pitch. Pakistan at 25/0 in 6 overs.

Iman opens his bat, Pakistan at 21/0 in 5 overs

Iman opens his bat, hits first boundary. Pakistan at 21/0 in 5 overs. 

Fakhar Zaman* 14

Imam-ul-Haq* 5

Fakhar Zaman on hitting row, Pakistan at 16/0

Third boundary for Fakhar Zaman. Pakistan scored 16 runs is 4 overs.

Fakhar Zaman* 14

Imam-ul-Haq* 1

Smooth start for Pakistan, score 11/0 in two over

Openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq give stable beginning for Pakistan. The team scored 11 runs is 2 overs.

Smooth start for Pakistan, score 9/0 in first over

Smooth start for Pakistan as the team score 9/0 in first over. Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaman hit consecutive boundaries in first two balls of Sompal Kami.

Pakistan vs Nepal Live: Match begins 

The opening match of the Asia Cup 2023 begins. Pakistani openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq at pitch. Sompal Kami open the bowling attack for Nepal. 

Pakistani singer Aima Baig sets stage with her performance 

With just few minutes left for the match to begin, Pakistani singer Aima Baig sets stage with her performance.

Nepali singer Trishala Gurung comes on for a rendition of Yo Maan

Trishala Gurung, a singer from Nepal, comes on for a rendition of Yo Maan ahead of the match.

Here’s the playng XIs for both teams

Nepal XI: 1. Kushal Bhurtel, 2. Aasif Sheikh (wk), 3. Rohit Paudel (capt), 4. Aarif Sheikh, 5. Kushal Malla, 6. Dipendra Singh Airee, 7. Gulsan Jha, 8. Sompal Kami, 9. Karan KC, 10. Sandeep Lamichhane, 11. Lalit Rajbanshi

Pakistan XI: 1. Fakhar Zaman, 2. Imam-ul-Haq, 3. Babar Azam (capt), 4. Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 5. Agha Salman, 6. Iftikhar Ahmed, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Mohammad Nawaz, 9. Shaheen Shah Afridi, 10. Naseem Shah, 11. Haris Rauf

Pakistan vs Nepal Live: Pakistan wins toss, will bat first

Pakistan’s skipper won the toss and elected to bat first. 

Pakistan vs Nepal Live: Behind the scenes

Asia Cup 2023 Live: Group A match

Group A comprises Pakistan, Nepal and India. Led by Babar Azam, the Pakistani team is set to face India in their upcoming match scheduled for September 2 in Kandy. The second group includes Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

PAK vs NEP: Multan pitch

Historical statistics indicate that both spinners and pacers have maintained comparable averages at Multan Cricket Stadium. The last One Day International (ODI) held here dates back to 2022 when the West Indies was the opposing team. During that match, the prominent wicket-takers were Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan and Akeal Hossein.

Asia Cup 2023 Live: How Nepal qualified

Nepal secured a spot in the continental championship following an impressive performance during the inaugural ACC Men’s Premier Cup earlier in 2023. Their victory in the final against the UAE not only clinched them the tournament title but also earned them the qualification for the upcoming competition.

PAK vs NEP: Focus on Babar Azam

Babar Azam, the current top-ranked ODI batter and captain of Pakistan, has showcased remarkable form in 2023. Across 11 ODIs, he has impressively recorded six half-centuries alongside a century.

PAK vs NEP: Focus on Sandeep Lamichhane

A pivotal figure for Nepal, Sandeep Lamichhane has emerged as a standout performer. Since 2021, he has outshone every other global bowler in wicket-taking, claiming a total of 88 dismissals.

PAK vs NEP Live updates: Multan weather

There is no chance of rain in Multain today, as per Weather.com. The temperature is expected to go as high as 39 degrees.

Asia Cup 2023 LIVE Updates: Nepal cricketers train

Nepal cricketers were seen preparing for their first match.

Asia Cup 2023 Live: Aima Baig, Trishala Gurung to perform

Aima Baig and Nepal’s Trishala Gurung will perform at the opening ceremony.

PAK vs NEP LIVE 1st ODI: PCB shares video

Sohan Halwa for Nepal cricketer.

PAK vs NEP: 25,000 tickets sold

The Multan stadium can accommodate a total of 30,000 spectators while 25,000 tickets were sold for the opening match between Pakistan and Nepal in the Asia Cup.

PAK vs NEP: Pakistan hosts after 15 years

Pakistan hosts multinational tournament after 15 years

Pak vs Nep: Multinational tournament returns to Pakistan after 15 years.

Akash Chopra shares insights

Ashwin posts on Pak vs Nep match

Asia Cup 2023 opening ceremony: How to watch

The Asia Cup 2023 opening ceremony will be broadcast live on television in India on Star Sports. The Opening Ceremony will be available for live streaming on Disney+ Hotstar in India. Read more.

Asia Cup 2023 opening ceremony

The Asia Cup 2023 opening ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, August 30. This grand occasion will occur right before the commencement of the first match. Read more.

Babar Azam on Nepal match

“Pakistan and India matches are always of high intensity and we will try to play the best cricket on that day, but at the moment we are focused on Nepal and will not take them lightly,” Babar Azam earlier said. Read more.

Pakistan vs Nepal: How to watch

For those watching from home, the Star Sports Network will present live coverage of the match. If you prefer the online option, Disney+ Hotstar offers a complimentary live-streaming service. Read more.

Pakistan vs Nepal head-to-head

Pakistan and Nepal have never encountered each other on the cricket field previously. Given Pakistan’s status as a dominant force in One Day Internationals (currently ranked number one in the world), they undoubtedly hold the advantage. The added benefit of playing on home turf further enhances Pakistan’s confidence.