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In the curtain-raiser of the Asia Cup 2023, Iftikhar Ahmed delivered a phenomenal batting performance against Nepal to catapult Pakistan to an imposing total of 342/6 in Multan on Wednesday, August 30. After witnessing Babar Azam's stunning century, Iftikhar Ahmed followed it up with a terrific knock and notched his maiden ODI century. Iftikhar completed his century in just 67 deliveries and went on to score 109 off 71 riding on 11 fours and four sixes. Interestingly, it was Iftikhar's Asia Cup debut and he made it special by smoking a ton on his very first appearance.
Iftikhar's robust century also made him the fourth fastest to pummel a century in Asia Cup's history.
Facing early setbacks, Pakistan's innings was off to a shaky start with the quick dismissals of openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq, leaving the team stuttering at 25/2 in just over six overs. A vital alliance was then formed between captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, stabilizing the innings with an 86-run partnership. Rizwan eventually departed, scoring 44 off 50 balls, making room for the remarkable pairing of Babar and Iftikhar.
This dynamic duo forged a game-changing 214-run stand, both registering centuries in the process. Babar Azam joined the elite ranks of batters like India's Virat Kohli, crossing the 150-run mark in Asia Cup history. On the other side, Iftikhar Ahmed's exceptional century took just 67 balls, making him the second-fastest Pakistani and fourth fastest overall to achieve this feat in Asia Cup cricket. He joins an illustrious list that includes former greats like Shahid Afridi, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Suresh Raina.
Notably, their partnership set a new Asia Cup record for the fifth-wicket stand, and Iftikhar's final score of an unbeaten 109 off 71 balls marked the third-highest by a batter batting at number six or lower in Asia Cup competitions. His inning was adorned with 11 boundaries and four towering sixes.
This tour de force by the Pakistani batters has set an imposing total for Nepal to chase and marks a compelling start to the Asia Cup 2023. With records shattered and milestones reached, this match has certainly set the bar high for what promises to be a thrilling cricketing event.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Ton-up Babar Azam busts Pakistan's all-time Asia Cup record, leaves behind Kohli to bag multiple milestones
PAK vs NEP: Babar Azam whacks maiden Asia Cup century against Nepal in opener, becomes just 3rd Pakistani batter to achieve rare feat
