Road to Asia CupNepal is stepping up for the big stage and debuting today in the Asia Cup 2023. Nepal has earned their spot after victory in the inaugural ICC Mens Permeiere Cup earlier this year, where they beat UAE by seven wickets in the final of the world cup qualifier match. Nepal received ODI recognition from the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2018 and today will mark a massive occasion in their brief ODI history so far.Key players shaping teams performanceNeapls captain, Rohit Paudel is the pillar of batting. He is the leading scorer of the team and has scored 1383 runs since 2021. Spin star Sandeep Lamichhane is the mainstay in the bowling department of the team and he has taken the most wickets in the same period of time. Nepal Squad: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (w), Bhim Sharki, Rohit Paudel (c), Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sundeep Jora, Pratis GC, Arjun Saud, Mousom Dhakal, Kishore Mahato, Aarif SheikhThe Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced the final squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. The Nepal team will go through a week-long preparation camp in Pakistan, where the team will train and play matches against PCB-designated teams. pic.twitter.com/yWt4ZDyogx— CAN (@CricketNep) August 14, 2023Pakistans Host AdvantagePakistan is playing in the tournament as host and looks well-rounded with guns blazing in every condition. The two-time champions will be looking to kickstart the championship with a massive win over Nepal and gain some confidence and momentum before the high-voltage clash with India on September 2.Pakistans Powerhouse Lineup and Bowling ArsenalPakistans Host AdvantageThe hosts have two of the best top-order batsmen, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam, who average more than 60 at their home venue. Mohammad Rizwan at No. 4, while Agha Salman at No. 5, has provided the backing in the middle order to battle against the heavyweight teams in white ball cricket. Pakistan has a good combination of spin and pace allrounders in Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Mohammad Nawaz. Team management will have a headache choosing one among the all-rounders. The bowling looks settled with the trio of pace batteries: Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf.Our playing XI for the first match of #AsiaCup2023 🇵🇰#BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/U8KaRXDqHH— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 29, 2023Pakistan Squad: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (w), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Usama Mir
