Pakistan's leg spinner Shadab Khan reserved the highest respect for Babar Azam after the team's magnificent win over the Nepal cricket team at Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan. Shadab Khan was impressed with the way Babar Azam dictated the terms and dominated the proceedings against Nepal in the Asia Cup 2023 opener. 

Shadab KhanPakistan got off to a fabulous start by registering a humongous win over Nepal as they won the game by a massive margin of 238 runs. Batting first, the Green Shirts posted 342/6 in 50 overs. Babar Azam top-scored with 151 off 131 balls including 14 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 115.27.

Iftikhar Ahmed also showcased incredible resistance down the batting order by scoring an unbeaten 109 off 71 balls with the help of 11 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 153.52. In reply, Nepal were bowled out for just 104 runs. Shadab Khan was the pick of the bowlers for the Pakistan cricket team. 

The 24-year-old leg spinner who is a prodigious turner of the ball weaved the magic by taking four wickets. He registered 4/27 in 6.4 overs. On the other hand, the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf took two wickets apiece as Pakistan won their first game in a grand fashion. 

At the post-match presentation, Shadab Khan heaped praise on the skipper by adding that he can't talk about Babar Azam because he is a world-class player. Furthermore, he also praised Iftikhar Ahmed for showcasing his batting prowess down the order.

"I can't talk about Babar because we all know he is a world class player, Iftikhar has done so much for much whenever he gets the opportunity. He showcased his power hitting really well today," he added.

Shadab Khan also praised the fast bowlers such as Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf for setting up the tone. "The platform was set up for me by the pacers, Shaheen and Naseem and then Haris Rauf was amazing," he said.

Pakistan will play their next game against Team India at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Shadab Khan who hasn't played in Pallekele before said, "The conditions will be different, I have never played there in Pallekele but let us see. We have confidence in each other and this is the beauty of the Pakistan cricket team."