Asia Cup 2023: Where Pakistan still require improvements ahead of India clash?

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Pakistan have kickstarted their Asia Cup 2023 campaign with a thumping victory over Nepal on Wednesday (August 30). The Babar Azam-led side drubbed the minnows by 238 runs in the first match in Multan.

It was a fantastic performance from the men in Green who put up a mammoth total of 342 for 6 after deciding to bat first. Then they bowled out Nepal for a paltry 104 runs and secured the gigantic victory.

Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed both scored centuries, while their bowling unit also chipped in with wickets to paralyze Nepal's hopes of getting close to their target. But despite the thumping victory, Pakistan may still want to improve on a couple of things ahead of the India tie.

Pakistan openers need to step up

Pakistan will have to look at their start with the bat. The openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq have an abundance of talent, but they lack consistency. Zaman and Imam both departed early against Nepal and a replication of that against India will put a lot more pressure on the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

Zaman scored 14 while Imam departed for just 5 runs, leaving Pakistan 25 for 2 at one stage. It was Babar and Rizwan who built a strong partnership to steer the ship in the right direction for Pakistan.

The pair Zaman and Imam have an average of just 28 runs at the opening wicket across the last four matches, and they will have to take the onus on themselves against India. It will be a different ball game and a repeat of the same mistake can have damaging ramifications.

Better running between the wickets

Pakistan gifted two wickets to Nepal on Wednesday. Imam-ul-Haq and a set Mohammad Rizwan departed courtesy of run-outs and it has to be avoided by them. The wickets against Nepal didn't have much impact, but against India, a sudden change in momentum will be much more palpable.

It is an area that has troubled Pakistan for a long time, and there must be words said by Mickey Arthur to nullify the run-out issues.