DUBAI: Pakistan set a competitive 161-run target for Oman in their opening match of the Asia Cup 2025 on a sluggish Dubai International Stadium pitch on Friday.
Despite a shaky start, Pakistan managed to post 160/7 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks largely to a blistering knock from wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, who smashed 66 off just 43 balls, including 7 fours and 3 sixes. His aggressive approach lifted Pakistan after early setbacks.
The innings began with early trouble for Pakistan, as opener Saim Ayub departed for a golden duck in just the second ball of the innings, trapped lbw by Shah Faisal. Sahibzada Farhan (29 off 29) and Haris then stitched a crucial 85-run stand to rebuild the innings. However, Oman clawed back in the middle overs with quick wickets.
Captain Salman Agha failed to make an impact, falling for a first-ball duck, while Hasan Nawaz (9 off 15) and Mohammad Nawaz (19 off 10) provided short but handy contributions. Faheem Ashraf added late impetus with an 8-run cameo off just 4 balls.
Oman’s spin veteran Aamir Kaleem starred with the ball, picking up 3/31 in his 4 overs, including the key scalps of Farhan, Haris, and Agha. Pacer Shah Faisal also impressed with figures of 3/34, dismantling Pakistan’s top and lower-middle order.
Pakistan’s innings saw a steady fall of wickets, with the team losing their last five wickets for just 58 runs in the final 7 overs.
With 161 on the board, Pakistan will now look to their bowling unit, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, to defend the total and begin their Asia Cup campaign on a winning note. Oman, on the other hand, will need a disciplined batting effort to pull off a memorable chase against the tournament favourites.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and opted to bat first in their opening match of the Asia Cup 2025 against Oman.
Pakistan
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (capt), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
Oman
Aamir Kaleem, Jatinder Singh (capt), Hammad Mirza, Mohammad Nadeem, Ayaan Khan, Aryan Bisht, Vinayak Shukla (wk), Shakeel Ahmad, Ashish Odedra, Hassnain Shah, Zikria Islam
