MULTAN: Pakistan cricket team has arrived in the city from Colombo Sri Lanka for the first match of Asia Cup 2023 scheduled between Pakistan and Nepal teams at Multan cricket stadium on August 30.
The team reached at local hotel from the airport in strict security arrangements and hotel management welcomed the team.
The Seraiki Ajrak (a symbol of Seraiki culture and tradition) was offered to the players upon arrival at the hotel. The team reached the hotel led by Vice-captain Shadab Khan.
Both teams will make rest today and tomorrow while participating in a practice session on August 29.
The welcoming banners regarding the international cricket match have been displayed in the city.
Pakistan team reached the city after the conclusion of a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka. The Nepal team will also reach the city from Karachi today night.
It’s worth mentioning here that four matches of the Asia Cup were scheduled to be played in Pakistan between August 30-September 6.
The first match will take place in Multan while the remaining three matches to be played in Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Heaps praise on Pakistan team’s hardwork, discipline –
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam believed that his team’s ascension to the No.1 spot in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings was a result of their hard work and discipline.
A 3-0 series sweep over Afghanistan helped Pakistan to the pole position in Men’s ODI Team Rankings. They are now marginally ahead of Australia, with 2725 points and 118 rating points
They had won the first ODI by 142 runs at the back of a brilliant bowling display. The second game was a nail-biting thriller, with the Men in Green eking out a one-wicket win in the last over of the game. In the third game, they batted well on a tough wicket to set a commanding total, before regular strikes from their bowlers ensured a 59-run win.
Babar was chuffed at having achieved the No.1 spot in the ODI team rankings. He described it as a complete team effort.
“Whenever you achieve the No.1 spot, it gives you a lot of joy,” Babar said after the final ODI, as quoted by ICC. “This is the result of the entire team’s effort. We’ve been here before, but unfortunately we lost that position after losing a game. But we’re back here by the grace of God. This is due to our hard work and performances.”
