Pakistan opened their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in style, overpowering Oman by a massive 93-run margin in Dubai. The contest was one-sided from the moment Pakistan took control with the bat, posting 160 for 7, before dismantling Oman for just 67 in 16.4 overs. The result not only gave Pakistan a perfect start to their group stage but also sent a message to other teams about their intent and preparation.
Mohammad Haris was the star of Pakistan’s innings, scoring a fluent 66 off 43 balls. His knock was a blend of composure and aggression, coming at a time when Pakistan had lost an early wicket and needed stability. Haris found a reliable partner in Sahibzada Farhan, who scored a patient 29, and together they added 85 runs for the second wicket. This stand gave Pakistan a strong platform to aim for a competitive total. Towards the end, Fakhar Zaman played an unbeaten cameo of 23 off 16 deliveries to push Pakistan past the 160-mark.
Oman’s bowlers fought valiantly in patches. Aamir Kaleem returned figures of 3 for 31, and Shah Faisal took 3 for 34, both exploiting Pakistan’s attempt to accelerate in the middle overs. But their efforts were not enough to completely stifle the innings, as Pakistan finished strongly in the last four overs, adding valuable runs that shifted the momentum.
When it was Oman’s turn to chase, the wheels came off almost immediately. Pakistan’s attack was relentless, with seam and spin operating in tandem. Faheem Ashraf took 2 for 6 with the new ball, removing both openers cheaply and setting the tone for the collapse. In the middle overs, left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem (2 for 7) and part-time option Saim Ayub (2 for 8) kept Oman’s batters tied down and eventually broke through their defences. The pressure was unrelenting, and Oman lost wickets in clusters.
Hammad Mirza offered a brief resistance with 27 off 23 balls, but none of the other batters crossed double digits, and the innings ended meekly with more than three overs to spare. Oman’s inability to rotate strike, poor shot selection, and difficulty handling spin exposed their lack of experience at this level.
For Pakistan, the result was the perfect confidence booster ahead of their high-stakes clash against India. Haris’s return to form, Fakhar Zaman’s finishing touch, and the bowlers’ ruthless efficiency were all positives. The only area of concern would be the frequent wickets lost in the middle overs, something they will want to tighten against tougher opposition.
Oman, meanwhile, will see this game as a learning experience. They had moments where they competed but will need to work on sustaining pressure, building partnerships, and facing quality spin if they want to remain competitive in the tournament.
This dominant win puts Pakistan firmly on track for a smooth passage to the Super Four stage and gives them the momentum they wanted early in their campaign.
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