In preparation for the India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup match on September 2, Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam made a strong statement by scoring an impressive century on Wednesday. Babar took the lead and showcased an excellent performance, scoring an impressive 151 runs off 131 balls against Nepal in the opening match of the tournament in Multan.
This remarkable achievement marked Babar’s 19th century in One Day Internationals (ODIs), making him the fastest player to achieve this milestone (in 102 innings) in the format.
Pakistan, the top-ranked ODI team globally, began their Asia Cup campaign with a decisive win, defeating Nepal by a significant 238-run margin in the first match in Multan. Babar Azam’s partnerships with Mohammad Rizwan (44) and Iftikhar Ahmed (109*) were crucial in helping Pakistan reach a strong total of 342 for 6.
Babar spoke about the initial challenges posed by the pitch conditions and his determination to build a solid innings after the loss of early wickets. Babar’s words after the match reflected his team’s increased confidence for the upcoming India clash. He acknowledged the intensity of India-Pakistan matches and confirmed their commitment to giving their best effort.
Highlighting teamwork, Babar praised his partnerships with Rizwan and Ahmed, showcasing how they supported each other during different parts of the game.
He also commended Pakistan’s bowlers, recognizing the strength of the pacers and the effectiveness of the spinners. After their win in Multan, Pakistan now prepares for the highly anticipated match against India in Pallekele, Sri Lanka.