Asia Cup 2023: Match 1, Pakistan vs Nepal, preview, pitch report, probable playing XI

 

The 2023 edition of the Asia Cup, which will be played in the ODI format, begins on August 30. The first match of the tournament will be played between Nepal and Pakistan at Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan. Pakistan has won the Asia Cup title twice while Nepal is participating in it for the first time. At this point of time, the Pakistani team seems to have the upper hand. 

Head to Head: PAK vs NEP

Pakistan and Nepal have never played an ODI match against each other. 

Team News: PAK vs NEP

Pakistan (PAK)

Hosts Pakistan will go into the fray as favourites. Besides, their recent 3-0 ODI series win over Afghanistan would have boosted their morale even more. Their top order batsmen had shown good performance in this series. In such a situation, the management is hopeful that he will do well against Nepal and in the whole tournament. Captain Babar would like to show good performance from the bowlers also. 

Pakistan Possible Playing XI: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf. 

Nepal (NEP)

Nepal had qualified for the Asia Cup by winning the 2023 ACC Men's Premier Cup in May. He remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. However, competing against Pakistan is a whole different ball game. If they want to beat Pakistan at their home, they will have to give their best in all the three departments. He has the ability to surprise the Pakistan team. 

Nepal Possible Playing XI: Kushal Bhurtel, Asif Sheikh (wk), Bhim Sharkey, Rohit Poudel (c), Kushal Malla, Arif Sheikh, Sandeep Lamichhane, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Lalit Rajbanshi, Gulsan Jha. 

PAK vs NEP match details 

Venue: Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan

Date & Time: 30 August at 03:00 PM

Live Streaming: Disney Plus Hotstar

Pitch Report: PAK vs NEP

The track at Multan is generally good for batting but the fast bowlers could get some help from the new ball. The dew factor could come into play later in the contest. So the captain winning the toss would prefer to bowl.