Pakistan skipper Babar Azam on Wednesday mentioned the large 238-run win over Nepal within the Asia Cup opener will give his aspect confidence forward of their blockbuster conflict towards arch-rivals India on Saturday.
Pakistan crushed minnows Nepal by an enormous margin of 238 runs right here in a Group A match to make a profitable begin to the Asia Cup.
Pakistan will now journey to Sri Lanka for the much-anticipated match towards India to be performed in Pallekele.
“This sport was good preparation for the India sport as a result of it gave us confidence. We wish to give 100 per cent each match, hope to try this there as properly,” Babar mentioned after the top of the match. Babar smashed 151, his nineteenth ODI century whereas Iftikhar Ahmed (109 not out) hit his maiden ODI ton to energy Pakistan to an imposing 342 for six after opting to bat.
Babar was concerned in two essential partnerships after a sedate begin — first stitching 86 runs with Mohammad Rizwan (44 off 50) after which sharing an whirlwind 214 runs for the fifth wicket with Iftikhar. In reply, Nepal have been bowled out for simply 104 in 23.4 overs with Shadab Khan taking 4 wickets and Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf claiming two every.
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“Once I went in, I performed a few balls. The ball wasn’t approaching, pitch was two-paced. (Mohammad) Rizwan and I constructed the partnership and see what occurred. Generally, Rizwan gave me confidence and vice-versa,” he mentioned.
“When Iftikhar got here, the tempo modified. He performed properly too. After two-three fours, he was comfy, he smacked it after 40 overs.
“I’m glad. A few overs we weren’t on top of things. Pacers did properly, spinners struck too,” Babar added.