Asia Cup 2023: PAK vs NEP Preview – Pakistan seek a winning start
The 16th edition of the Asia Cup is all set to commence as co-hosts Pakistan will kickstart the proceedings as they lock horns with Nepal in the first match of the event. The two sides will take the field at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan on Wednesday, August 30.
Playing in front of the home crowd, the Men in Green will certainly be pumped up to produce a solid all-round performance and obtain a result in their favour. While on the other hand, Nepal will look to spoil the party and look for a win despite Pakistan being regarded as the favourites.
Pakistan have a balanced side on paper which has the potential to go all the way to lift the coveted title. On the flip side, Nepal appear raw but will look to make the most from their campaign and produce an upset.
Pitch Conditions:
The surface at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan is suitable for the batters. However, pacers will be able to extract some bounce and movement early on in the contest whereas spinners will get some assistance as the game progress. Either skipper winning the toss is likely to bat first.
Venue details: Multan Cricket Stadium
Last ODI match at the venue: Pakistan vs West Indies, 2022, 3rd ODI | Result: Pakistan won by 53 runs (DLS method)
Probable playing XI for Pakistan vs Nepal clash:
Pakistan
Pakistan will likely slot Mohammad Wasim in the XI considering that he racked up a four-for for Pakistan A against Nepal during the Emerging Cup in July. Besides Wasim, the think tank will mostly back the core side for the first match.
Probable XI: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
Nepal
Sompal Kami returns to the setup after he sustained a hand injury against Zimbabwe during the World Cup Qualifiers. Sandeep Lamichhane and skipper Rohit Paudel will look to deliver the goods with the ball and bat respectively going forward.
Probable XI: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Bhim Sharki, Rohit Paudel (c), Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi
