Highlights:
- Mohammad Haris struck 66 off 43 balls as Pakistan posted 160 for 7.
- Oman bowled well through Aamir Kaleem (3 for 31) and Faisal (3 for 34).
- Pakistan’s spinners shared the spoils as Oman were bowled out for 67.
- Pakistan won by 93 runs in their opening Asia Cup fixture.
Pakistan post a fighting total
Pakistan overcame a shaky start to register 160 for 7 in their Asia Cup opener against Oman. Mohammad Haris led the way with 66 from 43 deliveries, his second fifty-plus score in T20 internationals, while Sahibzada Farhan chipped in with 29.
Oman struck early when Saim Ayub was trapped lbw, and Pakistan were restricted to 31 in the first five overs. Haris broke free in the final powerplay over, accelerating from 16 off 18 to add 50 from his next 25 balls. His innings included powerful sixes that lifted Pakistan close to eight runs an over.
Aamir Kaleem was Oman’s standout bowler, removing Haris and finishing with 3 for 31. Faisal supported with 3 for 34. Despite late struggles, a cameo from Mohammad Nawaz in the 17th over pushed Pakistan past 150.
Oman collapse in the chase
Chasing 161, Oman began steadily at 32 for 2 after five overs, with opener Mirza scoring 27. But from there the innings unraveled. Ayub, Nawaz, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, and Faheem Ashraf combined to devastate Oman’s batting order.
Ayub struck twice in the powerplay before Muqeem and Nawaz tightened the screws with disciplined spin. Abrar and Afridi also chipped in as wickets tumbled in clusters. Oman slumped from 41 for 2 to 51 for 9, before being bowled out for 67 in 12.3 overs.
Muqeem finished with 2 for 7, Ayub 2 for 8, and Ashraf 2 for 6, underlining Pakistan’s dominance.
Haris returns to form
Haris’ innings was crucial after a poor run of form in which he scored just 54 runs across his previous 11 innings. Promoted into the powerplay, he provided the spark Pakistan needed, finding rhythm after a quiet start and almost single-handedly maintaining a healthy run rate.
His fifty came from 40 balls, and his eventual 66 was his longest T20I innings by balls faced. It was also a reminder of his potential value in Pakistan’s top order.
Spin seals the win
With head coach Mike Hesson prioritizing spin options, Pakistan fielded only one specialist fast bowler in Shaheen Shah Afridi. The strategy paid off as spinners controlled the middle overs and triggered Oman’s collapse.
From 41 for 2, Oman lost seven wickets for just 10 runs, collapsing to 67 all out. Pakistan sealed a 93-run victory and made a strong start to their Asia Cup campaign.
Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav of India leaves the field after victory in the Asia Cup match Getty Images
