Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan vs. Nepal Preview

As Multan braces itself for the heat and humidity of the Asia Cup opener, it's not just the temperature that's rising. Underdog Nepal is looking to throw a few surprises at home favourites Pakistan in what promises to be a riveting encounter.

Historic Debut for Nepal

Making their maiden appearance in the Asia Cup, Nepal confronts Pakistan in a first-ever clash across all formats. This participation isn't just a testament to their inclusion; it's a mark of their ascending prowess in world cricket. Having triumphed at the ACC Men's Premier Cup and secured their spot in the ODI World Cup qualifier, the team's journey from receiving their ODI status in 2018 to being the 15th-ranked nation in the format has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Pakistan's Precious Home Advantage

In a twist of modern times, Pakistan, while hosting the tournament, gets to play a scanty two games at home. For the fans in Multan, braving the forecasted 38 degrees Celsius might be worth the experience of watching their cricketing stars shine on their home turf.

Players to Watch

Pakistan's middle order finds a new hero in Agha Salman, whose impressive batting average and recent performance chart speak volumes. On the other hand, despite an average ODI score, Nepal's Dipendra Singh Airee comes with newfound confidence, having demonstrated his potential in the World Cup qualifier and the Global T20 Canada.

Team Composition Dilemmas