Kathmandu, Aug 30: Nepal had to struggle in their opening match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Cricket Championship played at Multan of Pakistan.
After winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bat first and set a target of 343 runs. Pakistani skipper Babar Azam top scored with 151 runs facing 131 balls. He hit 14 fours and 4 sixes. However, Iftikhar Ahmad was very energetic and dangerous. He scored 109 runs and remained not out. Just facing 73 balls, he hit 11 fours and 4 sixes.
Likewise, Mohammad Rizwan scored 44 runs and Fakhar Zaman was out with 14 runs. At the end of first inning, Pakistan scored 342 runs losing 6 wickets.
Nepali bowlers were able to create pressure in the beginning. Nepal’s fielding was exceptional. Sompal Kami took 2 wickets, Sandeep Lamichhane and Karan KC took one wicket each. Two batsmen were run out.
Nepal’s inning
Nepal was facing pressure from the very beginning. Nepal lost 3 wickets in quick succession. Nepali batsmen Kushal Bhurtel (8 runs), Aashif Sheikh (5 runs) and captain Rohit Paudel (0 runs) have been dismissed by Pakistani bowlers.
Now, Sompal Kami (14 runs) and Aarif Sheikh (10 runs) have been struggling in the pitch. Nepal remains 42/3 in 8.4 overs.
