Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed brought a double-century partnership as the hosts set a 343-run target against Nepal in the opening match of the Asia Cup 2023 being held at the Multan Cricket Stadium, Pakistan on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted 342 runs, losing six wickets in the stipulated 50 overs.

Pakistan were tottering at 25-2 as they lost openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq for a meagre 20-ball 14 and 14-ball 5 respectively. Zaman was caught by Aasif Sheikh off Karan KC in 5.3 overs while the latter was run out by Rohit Paudel.

Azam, who came in at number three, smashed four sixes and 14 hits to the boundaries, putting up 151 runs on the scoreboard. He was caught by Sundeep Jora off Sompal Kami in 49.4 overs.

Ahmed cracked an unbeaten century, scoring 109 runs in his 71-knock play. He smashed four sixes and 11 fours.

Mohammad Rizwan smashed six hits to the fence, contributing 44 runs in his 50-ball knock. He was run out by Dipendra Singh Airee in 23.4 overs. Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha also managed a 14-ball 5 before being caught by Kushal Bhurtel off Sandeep Lamichhane in 27.5 overs.

For the Rhinos, Sompal Kami dismissed two Pakistani batters while Karan KC and Sandeep Lamichhane took a wicket apiece.