Babar Azam-Iftikhar Ahmed Register Third-Highest Partnership In ODI Asia Cup History | Cricket News

Pakistan batters Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed recorded the third-highest partnership for any wicket within the historical past of the ODI Asia Cup on Wednesday. The duo completed this throughout their Asia Cup 2023 marketing campaign opener in opposition to Nepal in Multan. Iftikhar joined Babar when the crew was struggling at 124/4 in 27.5 overs. From then on, they completely dismantled Nepal bowlers within the second half of the innings. Babar smashed 151 in 131 balls consisting of 14 fours and 4 sixes whereas Iftikhar smashed his maiden century, ending unbeaten on 109 in 71 balls, with 11 fours and 4 sixes.

Together, the duo added 214 runs for the fifth wicket. It is the third-highest partnership for any wicket in ODI Asia Cup historical past. The highest partnership is by Nasir Jamshed and Mohammed Hafeez (224 runs) in opposition to India in 2012, adopted by a 223-run stand between Younis Khan and Shoaib Malik in opposition to Hong Kong in 2004.

This can be the best fifth-wicket partnership in Asia Cup historical past.

This partnership between Babar and Iftikhar can be the best partnership by a Pakistani pair for fourth wicket or beneath.

Iftikhar’s century got here in simply 67 balls, that is the fourth-fastest century by a Pakistan batter, with the quickest being by Shahid Afridi in simply 37 balls.

Coming to the match, opting to bat first, Pakistan placed on 342/6 of their 50 overs. Pakistan was lowered to 25/2 after Fakhar Zaman (14) and Imam-Ul-Haq (5) had been dismissed.

Babar then had an 86-run stand for the third wicket with Mohammed Rizwan (44 in 50 balls, with six fours) which helped Pakistan get to 3 figures. After the short dismissals of Rizwan and Agha Salman (5), Pakistan was left struggling at 124/4 and from then on Babar and Iftikhar helped Pakistan get well.

Later, Nepal bought bundled out for 104 after Shadab Khan took a three-wicket haul. Apart from him, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf took two wickets every.

(This story has been edited by Mahaz News employees …)