
Asia Cup 2023 | After pummelling Nepal, Babar Azam says Pakistan are ready for India
The Hindu
Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, will be brimming with confidence for their Asia Cup blockbuster against India on Saturday after a comprehensive victory against Nepal
Pakistan captain Babar Azam said his team will be brimming with confidence for Saturday’s Asia Cup blockbuster against arch-rivals India after kicking off their campaign with a comprehensive victory against Nepal on Wednesday.
Babar led from the front with a masterly 151 and Iftikhar Ahmed produced an unbeaten 109 to power Pakistan to a commanding 342-6 at the Multan Cricket Stadium before skittling out Asia Cup debutants Nepal for 104 in 23.4 overs for what was their third-biggest victory in a one-day internationals.
“This game was good preparation for the India game because it gave us confidence,” Babar, who was named Player of the Match for his 19th one-day hundred, said.
“India-Pakistan will always bring high intensity. We want to give 100% in every match, hope to do that there as well.”
Against Nepal, Babar took 72 balls to bring up his 50 but the number one ranked ODI batsman soon stepped on the gas and raced to a 109-ball hundred. After that, he batted in T20 fashion, milking 51 off the next 22 balls he faced.
“When I went in, the ball wasn’t coming on properly, so I was trying to build an innings with Rizwan,” Babar explained.
“Iftikhar also played a great innings when he came on.