Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan vs Nepal: Winners Prediction, Head to Head and Other Details

Pakistan will lock horns with associate nation Nepal in the Asia Cup 2023 first round group stage opener at the Multan Cricket Ground in Multan, Pakistan on Wednesday (August 30).

The contest marks many firsts as Nepal, as a team, and Multan, as a venue, make their debuts in the continental tournament. It is also a maiden contest between Pakistan and Nepal at the top level.

Asia Cup 2023 Pakistan vs Nepal Prediction

Babar Azam's Pakistan, who head into the match on the back of an impressive 3-0 series win over Afghanistan, have already named their playing 11 for their Group A match.

Rohit Paudel-led Nepal, on the other hand, are headed into the tournament on the back of a disappointing World Cup 2023 Qualifier, where they won just two of six matches.

Pakistan will look to get their campaign off to a good start ahead of their clash with arch-rivals India in two days time. The much anticipated India vs Pakistan match will take place on Saturday (September 2) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

That will be Pakistan's final first round match, while Rohit Sharma's side face Nepal in their final group match on September 4 at the same venue in Kandy. The less-fancied Nepal will be looking to cause an upset in Group A.

Pakistan vs Nepal Head To Head

Pakistan and Nepal have never crossed paths so far in One Day Internationals. This will be their first meeting in a 50-over game. In fact, this will be their first match in any format on the international stage in senior level.

Pakistan vs Nepal Asia Cup 2023 Prediction

Pakistan start favourites thanks to their superiority, playing at home and the form they carry forward into the match. The likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Babar, Shadab Khan, Imam Ul Haq and Fakhar Zaman may be too much to handle for Paudel and Saneep Lamichhane's Nepal.

Pakistan vs Nepal Asia Cup 2023 Squads

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

Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel, Asif Sheikh, Rohit Paudel (captain), Bhim Sarki, Arif Sheikh, Arjun Saud (wicketkeeper), Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Malla, Pratis GC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Kishore Mahato, Sandeep Jora, Shyam Dhakal.

Pakistan vs Nepal Playing 11s

Pakistan 11: Imam Ul Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf.

Nepal Probable 11: Aasif Seth (wicketkeeper), Kushal Bhurtel, Bhim Sharki, Rohit Paudel (captain), Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, Lalith Rajbanshi.