Pakistan crush Oman in Asia Cup 2025 opener
High-stakes India clash in Dubai awaits on Sunday
DUBAI – Pakistan launched their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, thrashing Oman by 93 runs in the group stage clash at Dubai International Stadium on Friday.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a commanding total of 160 for seven in their allotted 20 overs before dismantling Oman’s batting line-up for just 67 runs in 18.4 overs.
The result handed Pakistan their first win of the tournament, giving them a strong net run rate boost in Group A.
Pakistan complete formalities with a thumping win! ✌️
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 12, 2025
Led by Haris & powered by lower order cameos, ???????? had a score on the board their bowlers had no problems defending. #PAKvOMAN #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 #ACC pic.twitter.com/wYdhkpS2HK
Pakistan’s innings
Opening batter Mohammad Haris spearheaded the Pakistan innings with a fluent 66 off 43 balls, striking boundaries all around the ground and providing the foundation for a competitive score. Sahibzada Farhan chipped in with a patient 29 from 29 balls, while Fakhar Zaman added late momentum with an unbeaten 23 from 16 deliveries.
Oman’s bowlers worked hard to contain the Pakistani line-up, with veteran all-rounder Aamir Kaleem claiming three wickets for 31 runs in his four overs. Faisal Shah matched him with figures of 3 for 34, while Mohammad Nadeem picked up one wicket. Despite these breakthroughs, Pakistan’s batting depth ensured the team crossed the 160-run mark.
Oman’s response
Chasing 161, Oman’s batting order came under immediate pressure as Pakistan’s bowlers struck at regular intervals. The side never found stability, with only two batters managing to reach double figures. Hammad Mirza top-scored for his side with 27 off 23 balls, while Aamir Kaleem added 13 runs from 11. Shakeel Ahmad showed some resistance with 10 runs off 23 balls, but the rest of the line-up folded cheaply.
Oman were eventually bowled out for 67 in 18.4 overs, conceding a massive defeat by 93 runs. The batting collapse highlighted their struggles against a disciplined Pakistani attack.
Pakistan’s bowlers shared the spoils with ruthless efficiency. Faheem Ashraf led the charge with two wickets for just six runs in two overs. Left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem proved equally effective, taking 2 for 7 in his three-over spell, while part-time spinner Saim Ayub stunned Oman with figures of 2 for 8 in two overs.
The combined bowling effort ensured Oman never came close to challenging Pakistan’s total, wrapping up one of the most one-sided matches of the tournament so far.
Strong start for Pakistan
The convincing win gave Pakistan a perfect start in their quest for Asia Cup glory. With a healthy net run rate advantage, the team will look to carry the momentum into their upcoming fixtures against stronger opposition in the group stage.
For Oman, the result was a setback after their hopes of making an impression in the tournament. Their batting will need major improvements if they are to remain competitive against the region’s top cricketing sides.
With Pakistan firing on both batting and bowling fronts, the side has signalled clear intent for the rest of the Asia Cup 2025 campaign. Their next challenge will be a much-anticipated clash against India at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.