The first match of the Asian Cup takes place in Multan between Pakistan and Nepal. Many great records were set in this match. For the fifth wicket, there was a partnership of 214 runs between Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed. This is the third highest partnership for a wicket in Asian Cup history. The record for the highest Asian Cup partnership is held by Mohammad Hafeez and Nasir Jamshed. Both players completed 224 runs in the 2012 game against India.
Babar Azam played an inning of 151 runs. This is the highest score of any Pakistani captain at the Asian Cup. In addition, Iftikhar Ahmed passed the century mark with 67 balls. This is the 6th fastest century for Pakistan in ODI format. Shahid Afridi holds the record for having shot the fewest balls against Pakistan in a century. Shahid Afridi broke the century mark in just 37 balls against Sri Lanka in 1996.
For the fifth wicket, there was a partnership of 214 runs between Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed. This is the largest twinning for Pakistan in the fourth or lower order. Previously this plate was issued in the names of Mohammad Yusuf and Shoaib Malik. Mohammad Yusuf and Shoaib Malik enjoyed a 206-year partnership against India in 2009. This India vs Pakistan match was played in Centurion, South Africa. Significantly, the first match of the 2023 Asian Cup between Pakistan and Nepal will be played in Multan.
