The 2023 edition of the Asia Cup is set to begin on August 30, with Pakistan taking on Nepal in the season opener at Multan Cricket Stadium. Under the leadership of Babar Azam, Pakistan will be coming to play in the tournament as the number 1 ODI team after a 3-0 victory against Afghanistan. Nepal on the other hand will make their debut in the prestigious event as they found their spot after winning the 2023 Men’s Premier Cup. Keeping in mind, Pakistan’s strong squad and their reputation in ODI, Nepal is a novice and therefore Pakistan is the favourite team to win the match.

Talking about the Multan Cricket Stadium, the average first-inning total is 254 with the score is likely to be around 50-65 in the powerplay overs. Pakistan team is likely to start their first match with a big win, considering their strong ODI record and the experience gap between the two teams.

Before the action begins, fans will witness the Asia Cup 2023 Opening Ceremony on Wednesday at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan.

Catch this glimpse as the Team Nepal prepares for the Asia Cup 2023⚡#weCAN #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/qovguiBGs4

— CAN (@CricketNep) August 30, 2023

Pakistan Predicted XI: Fakhar Zaman, Imam ul Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.

Nepal Predicted XI: Aarif Sheikh, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Bhim Sharki, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Gulshan Jha, Pratis GC.

Nepal Squad: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh(w), Bhim Sharki, Rohit Paudel(c), Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sundeep Jora, Pratis GC, Arjun Saud, Mousom Dhakal, Kishore Mahato, Aarif Sheikh.

Pakistan Squad: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Usama Mir.