PAK vs NEP: Babar Azam Speaks On Pakistan's Opening Match In Asia Cup 2023 Against Nepal, Says 'We Are Not Taking Them Lightly'

Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam spoke before their clash against Nepal in the inaugural match of the Asia Cup 2023 on Wednesday (August 30th) at Multan International Stadium. Azam said that they were not taking Nepal lightly before their clash.

Babar Azam-led Men in Green are at their best form currently and are coming into the continental cup after thrashing Afghanistan in a three-game series which helped them to become the number one ODI team. The new elite feat will definitely boost Pakistan’s confidence before the Asia Cup 2023.

Babar Azam showcased a stupendous performance in the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan and became the number-one ODI batsman.

Pakistan have a strong squad with quality pacer with the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah.

While speaking in the pre-match press conference before the inaugural match of the Asia Cup 2023, Babar Azam said that the Men in Green are totally focused on their game against Nepal.

The Pakistani skipper praised their opponents and said that Nepal has quality players in their squad and is not taking them lightly which will push them to play their best game.

The 28-year-old added that they are not thinking about the high-voltage game against India and will focus on it after their match against Nepal.

While talking about his captaincy, Babar Azam said that his main motive was to change the mindset of the team players after taking responsibility and claiming that he was successful.

“We are focused on tomorrow’s game against Nepal. They have a good bunch of players, so we are not taking them lightly and we will try to play our best cricket. We will plan against India when the time comes. When I got the responsibility of captaincy, my aim was to change the mindset of the team and I have been successful in doing that,” Babar Azam said.

We want to win the Asia Cup and the World Cup: Babar Azam

The Pakistani skipper said that they want to win the Asia Cup 2023 and ODI World Cup in the upcoming days and accepted that the Men in Green have excited few months in the forthcoming days.

“We want to win the Asia Cup and the World Cup. We have some competitive and exciting next few months lined up and we are eager to do well for our country,” the 28-year-old added.

However, the most awaited match in the Asia Cup 2023 between Rohit Sharma-led India and Pakistan on Saturday (September 2nd) at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka.