Key Points
- Mohammad Haris starred with a blistering 66 to help Pakistan post 160 after a shaky start
- Oman folded for just 67 as Pakistan’s bowlers ran riot
DUBAI: Pakistan launched their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in an emphatic fashion, thumping Oman by 93 runs at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday.
After setting a competitive target of 161, Pakistan’s bowlers produced a ruthless display to dismiss Oman for just 67 runs in 16.4 overs, sealing a dominant win on a slow-paced pitch.
Oman’s chase never gained momentum. They lost captain Jatinder Singh for just 1 in the second over, bowled by surprise bowling option Saim Ayub, who also trapped Aamir Kaleem lbw for 13 to give Pakistan early control.
Leg-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem further tightened the noose with back-to-back strikes, removing Hammad Mirza (27 off 23), Oman’s top scorer, and Mohammad Nadeem. The middle and lower order collapsed under pressure, with batters falling cheaply to a well-orchestrated bowling attack.
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf picked up two wickets, including the prized scalp of Zikria Islam for a duck, while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abrar Ahmed chipped in with one wicket apiece. Mohammad Nawaz also claimed one, as Oman slumped to 67 all out — their innings riddled with soft dismissals and poor running between the wickets, including a run-out.
Only Hammad Mirza (27) and Aamir Kaleem (13) managed to reach double digits for Oman in a one-sided contest.
Earlier, Pakistan set a competitive 161-run target for Oman in their opening match of the Asia Cup 2025. 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.
With a 93-run win, Pakistan not only collected their first points of the tournament but also gave a strong statement of intent early in the Asia Cup. The bowling unit’s clinical performance backed up a strong batting effort earlier in the day, where Mohammad Haris starred with a 66-run blitz.
Pakistan are set to take on defending champions India in a high-stakes clash on Sunday, September 14.
