Babar Azam became first captain in history of Asia Cup 2023 to hit 150

On the first match day of Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan captain Babar Azam went on a record-breaking spree. The World No. 1 ODI batter hit 151 in 131 balls, helping Pakistan recover from early blows and set a huge total of 342 for 6 in 50 overs against Nepal at the Multan Cricket Ground on Wednesday, August 30.

Babar Azam became the first captain in the history of Asia Cup 2023 to hit a 150-plus score. He broke Virat Kohli's record as the former India captain had held the top spot in the elite list with his 136 against Bangladesh in Fattulah in 2014.

Babar also joined Virat Kohli as the only 2nd batter to hit 150-plus score in the Asia Cup history. Virat Kohli topped the charts with 183 against Pakistan in 2012.

HIGHEST SCORES BY CAPTAINS- ASIA



CUP

. Babar Azam (Pakistan) vs Nepal in 2023 - 15x

. Virat Kohli (India) vs Bangladesh in 2014 - 136

. Sourav Ganguly (India) vs Bangladesh in 2000 - 135 not out

Babar Azam brought up his 19th ODI hundred in 107 balls as he helped steady the Pakistan innings after they slipped to 111 for 3 in the 22nd over, losing Mohammad Rizwan to a bizarre run-out.

Babar joined hands with Iftikhar Ahmed and stitched a 227-run partnership for the 6th over as they propelled Pakistan to a mammoth total in the Asia Cup opener as the tournament returned to Pakistan for the first time in 15 years.

Pakistan scored 129 runs in the last 10 overs as Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed tore into the Nepal bowling attack, laying down the early marker.