This game was a good preparation for the game against India because it gave us confidence. We want to give 100 percent in every match, hopefully we can do that here too, Babar said after the match. Babar scored 151, which was his 19th ODI century, while Iftikhar Ahmed (109 without an out) scored his first ODI ton and Pakistan reached an impressive score of 342-6 with the pick of the bat.

Babar was involved in two crucial partnerships after a quiet start to the game, first scoring 86 along with Mohammad Rizwan (44 off 50) and then scoring 214 along with Iftikhar for the fifth wicket. In reply, Nepal were bowled out for just 104 in 23.4 overs, with Shadab Khan taking four wickets and Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf taking two wickets each.

When I came into the game, I played a couple of balls. The ball wasn’t going, the pitch was two-speed. Me and (Mohammad) Rizwan and I have formed a partnership and we’ll see what happens. Sometimes Rizwan gave me confidence and vice versa, he said.

When Iftikhar came in, the pace changed. He played well too. After two or three fours he got comfortable and he scored after 40 ounces.

I am satisfied. We fell short a couple times. The pacers worked well, spinners also struck, Babar added.