Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed scored punishing hundreds as Pakistan thrashed Nepal by 238 runs in the opening game of the Asia Cup in Multan on Wednesday.

Pakistan skipper Azam admitted victory was the perfect platform for the duel against India -- first ODI between the arch-rivals since 2019.

"This game was good preparation for the India game because it gave us confidence," said Azam who became the fastest to 19 ODI hundreds in 102 innings, beating South Africa's Hashim Amla whose 19 came in 104.

"We want to give 100 per cent every match."

Nepal skipper Rohit Paudel described the match as "a good learning" experience.

"We started well but Azam and Ahmed took the game away," said Paudel. "We let ourselves down with the bat, but it's a good learning."