As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the Asia Cup 2023, set to be held at Multan Cricket Stadium on August 30th at 2:30 PM PST, all eyes are on the players who could shine in this prestigious tournament.
While every team has its stars, let’s focus on three exceptional individuals who are expected to make a significant impact when Pakistan faces Nepal.
3 players to watch in Pakistan vs Nepal
Here are the three players to keep an eye on during the Asia Cup 2023 Pakistan vs Nepal match:
1. Sandeep Lamichhane – Nepal’s Spin Sensation
Career Stats:
- Bowling:
- Matches: 49
- Innings: 48
- Balls: 2690
- Runs: 1915
- Wickets: 111
- Best Bowling: 6/11
- Average: 17.25
- Economy Rate: 4.27
- Strike Rate: 24.2
- 4-Wicket Hauls: 8
- 5-Wicket Hauls: 3
Sandeep Lamichhane, Nepal’s spin maestro, is undoubtedly one of the most exciting prospects to watch in this Asia Cup. With a remarkable career already under his belt, Lamichhane’s ability to spin the ball both ways and consistently pick up wickets places him as a key player for Nepal.
His best figures of 6/11 in ODIs speak volumes about his talent and his potential to turn the game in Nepal’s favor. Pakistan’s batsmen will have to be at their best to tackle his crafty spin.
2. Babar Azam – Pakistan’s Run Machine
Career Stats:
- Batting & Fielding:
- Matches: 103
- Innings: 101
- Not Outs: 12
- Runs: 5202
- Highest Score: 158
- Average: 58.44
- Balls Faced: 5857
- Strike Rate: 88.81
- 100s: 18
- 50s: 28
- 4s: 468
- 6s: 52
- Catches: 45
- Stumpings: 0
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s batting sensation, is a name synonymous with elegance and consistency. With an astonishing average of 58.44 in ODIs, he has already etched his name among the modern greats of the game.
Azam’s ability to anchor the innings, accelerate when needed, and find gaps in the field makes him a player to watch in this tournament. Multan Cricket Stadium is set to witness his classic strokeplay, and if he gets going, Nepal will have their work cut out trying to dismiss him.
3. Naseem Shah – Pakistan’s Young Fast Bowling Prodigy
Career Stats:
- Bowling:
- Matches: 10
- Innings: 10
- Balls: 522
- Runs: 403
- Wickets: 25
- Best Bowling: 5/33
- Average: 16.12
- Economy Rate: 4.63
- Strike Rate: 20.8
- 4-Wicket Hauls: 0
- 5-Wicket Hauls: 2
Naseem Shah, the young pace sensation from Pakistan, has taken the cricketing world by storm. At just 23 years of age, he has already showcased his ability to swing the ball both ways and generate raw pace.
With two five-wicket hauls in his brief ODI career, Naseem has a knack for breaking partnerships and delivering crucial breakthroughs. His express pace and ability to extract bounce from any surface will pose a significant challenge for Nepal’s batting lineup.
