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Pakistan kicked off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in style as they registered a thumping 93-run victory over Oman in their Group A clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday. Led by a powerful half-century from Mohammad Haris and a disciplined all-round bowling display, the Men in Green asserted their dominance early in the tournament.
Mohammad Haris anchors Pakistan innings
After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bat first but suffered a shaky start when opener Saim Ayub fell for a golden duck. His partner Sahibzada Farhan steadied the innings with a cautious 29 off 29 balls, but it was Mohammad Haris who stole the show. The right-hander played a commanding knock of 66 runs off just 43 deliveries, laced with seven fours and three sixes, ensuring that Pakistan kept the scoreboard ticking despite regular setbacks.
Fakhar Zaman chipped in with a brisk 23 from 16 balls, while late cameos from Mohammad Nawaz (19 off 10) and Faheem Ashraf (8 off 4) pushed the total to 160/7 in 20 overs. Oman’s bowlers, particularly Faisal Shah and veteran Aamir Kaleem, bowled with discipline. Both scalped three wickets each, with Faisal finishing with 3/34 and Kaleem 3/31. Shakeel Ahmed was the most economical, conceding just 17 runs in his four overs but went wicketless.
Also WATCH: Shah Faisal dismisses Saim Ayub for a golden duck in PAK vs OMN Asia Cup 2025 clash
Oman crumble under pressure
Chasing a challenging target of 161, Oman’s innings never really took off. They lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for just 67 runs in 16.4 overs. Only Hammad Mirza showed some resistance with a fighting 27 off 23 balls, which included three fours and a six. Kaleem also chipped in with 13, but none of the other batters could withstand Pakistan’s relentless bowling attack.
Shakeel battled at the tail with a patient 10 off 23 balls, but Oman’s collapse was inevitable. Six of their batters failed to cross single digits, highlighting their struggles against quality bowling on a helpful surface. Pakistan’s bowlers were clinical in their approach. Left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem was the pick of the attack with figures of 2/7 in his three overs, while Faheem also impressed with 2/6.
Youngster Ayub, introduced into the attack, surprised everyone with his part-time spin, returning with figures of 2/8. Shaheen Afridi provided the initial breakthrough with his trademark pace and swing, finishing with 1/20 in his four overs. Abrar Ahmed and Nawaz also chipped in with a wicket each, ensuring there was no escape route for Oman’s batters. Haris’ aggressive knock proved to be the difference in the contest, as it set the platform for Pakistan’s massive win. His ability to rotate strike and accelerate at crucial stages earned him the Player of the Match award.
Mohammad Haris bagged the Player of the Match award 🏆#MohammadHaris #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/YCtWkybH1F
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 12, 2025
Also WATCH: Aamir Kaleem takes a splendid catch to dismiss Sahibzada Farhan in PAK vs OMN Asia Cup 2025 clash
