Pakistan asserted their dominance early in the Asia Cup with a commanding 93-run victory over Oman in the Group A opener at Dubai ...
Pakistan asserted their dominance early in the Asia Cup with a commanding 93-run victory over Oman in the Group A opener at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday. A composed half-century from Mohammad Haris and a ruthless bowling display secured a comfortable start for the former champions.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan endured a shaky beginning as opener Saim Ayub fell for a golden duck to Shah Faisal. However, Haris and Sahibzada Farhan steadied the innings with a crucial 84-run partnership. Haris struck freely, hitting seven fours and three sixes in his 43-ball 66, while Farhan contributed a patient 29. Haris reached his maiden T20I half-century in 32 deliveries, but Oman’s bowlers pulled things back.
Veteran Aamir Kaleem dismissed both Farhan and Haris in successive overs before accounting for captain Salman Agha. Faisal added to Pakistan’s troubles by removing Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Nawaz, ensuring the batting side could not accelerate. Fakhar Zaman’s unbeaten 23 off 16 balls gave Pakistan a final push to 160/7. Kaleem (3/31) and Faisal (3/34) were the standout performers for Oman, with Shakeel Ahmed maintaining pressure through his economical four overs.
Chasing 161, Oman’s top order crumbled under pressure. Ayub struck early to remove skipper Jatinder Singh and Aamir Kaleem, while Muqeem and Nawaz made further inroads. A direct hit from Shaheen Afridi ran out wicketkeeper Vinayak Shukla, and Oman’s hopes faded when Muqeem dismissed the dangerous Mirza for 27. The innings collapsed swiftly, with Oman bowled out for 67 in 16.4 overs.
Pakistan’s attack shared the spoils, with Muqeem, Ayub, and Faheem Ashraf taking two wickets each. Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Nawaz claimed one apiece in a clinical performance.
The win handed Pakistan early momentum ahead of their high-stakes clash against India on Sunday, while Oman, despite promising spells with the ball, were comprehensively outplayed on their Asia Cup debut.
Live Cricket Score | Asia Cup 2025
Opting to bat first, Pakistan endured a shaky beginning as opener Saim Ayub fell for a golden duck to Shah Faisal. However, Haris and Sahibzada Farhan steadied the innings with a crucial 84-run partnership. Haris struck freely, hitting seven fours and three sixes in his 43-ball 66, while Farhan contributed a patient 29. Haris reached his maiden T20I half-century in 32 deliveries, but Oman’s bowlers pulled things back.
Veteran Aamir Kaleem dismissed both Farhan and Haris in successive overs before accounting for captain Salman Agha. Faisal added to Pakistan’s troubles by removing Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Nawaz, ensuring the batting side could not accelerate. Fakhar Zaman’s unbeaten 23 off 16 balls gave Pakistan a final push to 160/7. Kaleem (3/31) and Faisal (3/34) were the standout performers for Oman, with Shakeel Ahmed maintaining pressure through his economical four overs.
Chasing 161, Oman’s top order crumbled under pressure. Ayub struck early to remove skipper Jatinder Singh and Aamir Kaleem, while Muqeem and Nawaz made further inroads. A direct hit from Shaheen Afridi ran out wicketkeeper Vinayak Shukla, and Oman’s hopes faded when Muqeem dismissed the dangerous Mirza for 27. The innings collapsed swiftly, with Oman bowled out for 67 in 16.4 overs.
Pakistan’s attack shared the spoils, with Muqeem, Ayub, and Faheem Ashraf taking two wickets each. Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Nawaz claimed one apiece in a clinical performance.
The win handed Pakistan early momentum ahead of their high-stakes clash against India on Sunday, while Oman, despite promising spells with the ball, were comprehensively outplayed on their Asia Cup debut.
Live Cricket Score | Asia Cup 2025