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PAK vs NEP: "Ifti Mania Has Taken Over The Asia Cup" - Fans React As Iftikhar Ahmed Hits Maiden ODI Century

By Sonanchal Gautam

Updated - 30 Aug 2023, 09:27 PM

PAK vs NEP: "Ifti Mania Has Taken Over The Asia Cup" - Fans React As Iftikhar Ahmed Hits Maiden ODI Century
PAK vs NEP: "Ifti Mania Has Taken Over The Asia Cup" - Fans React As Iftikhar Ahmed Hits Maiden ODI Century [PC: X]

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The 32-year-old Pakistan National Cricket Team middle-order batter Iftikhar Ahmed played an absolutely stupendous knock in the Asia Cup 2023 opening clash.

In the curtain raiser of the Asia Cup 2023 Group A teams – Babar Azam-led Pakistan National Cricket Team and Rohit Paudel-led Nepal National Cricket Team – are locking horns at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, August 30.

Having announced their playing XI a day before the match, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first in the match. The Men In Green were off to a poor start in the match as both the openers got out after playing poor innings for their side.

Both Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq were back in a hut inside 7 overs when the score of the side was 25. After losing the openers, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the ship by stitching up a terrific partnership. The star batters added 86 runs together in 106 balls before the bizarre dismissal of Rizwan. Also, Agha Salman got out for a low score, which led to Iftikhar Ahmed joining Babar Azam in the middle.

Iftikhar Ahmed showcased aggressive intent from the very beginning of his innings. He completely shifted the momentum towards his side by playing an attacking brand of cricket. As Iftikhar Ahmed took the responsibility to attack, Babar Azam was able to play his natural game and hit a fantastic century.

Iftikhar Ahmed continued batting brilliantly and he smashed the Nepal bowlers all over the park. He completed his maiden ODI century by smashing a four in the 49th over and brought out an aggressive celebration to celebrate the milestone.

Iftikhar Ahmed smashed the century off 67 balls and this was the third fastest century in ODIs in Pakistan. Also, he added 214 runs with Babar Azam, which was the highest partnership for Pakistan in home ODIs.

Iftikhar Ahmed scored an unbeaten 109 runs off 71 balls, including 11 fours and 4 sixes, in the innings. The knocks from Babar and Iftikhar helped Pakistan post 342/6 on the board.

Speaking after his innings, Iftikhar Ahmed said that he was delighted to hit a century. He also said that batting with Babar Azam was quite special for him as he is the No.1 ranked ODI batter.

“Century is an achievement for a player, obviously I am very happy. Ball was gripping when I went in, so you need to give time for yourself to get set. Babar is a great player, World No. 1 player.

‘It’s an awesome feeling to bat with him. He rotates strike very well and we discussed about scoring a boundary when we get a loose ball. The wicket got better to bat on as the innings progressed,” Iftikhar Ahmed said.

Twitter Reacts As Iftikhar Ahmed Slams Stupendous Ton:

 

Tagged:

Asia Cup 2023 Iftikhar Ahmed Nepal National Cricket Team PAK vs NEP 2023 Pakistan national cricket team Pakistan vs Nepal 2023

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