Mohammad Haris’s first half-century and a solid all-around bowling performance helped Pakistan crush debutants Oman by 93 runs in Dubai on Friday, kicking off their ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 campaign in spectacular manner.
Oman lost badly in their first-ever Asia Cup match, chasing 161, and never seemed in control as they fell to 67 all out in 16.4 overs. With a maximum score of 27 from 23 balls, including three boundaries and a six, only Hammad Mirza put up a fight. The only other hitters to achieve double digits were him, opener Aamir Kaleem (13) and tailender Shakeel Ahmed (10).
Prior to this, Pakistan overcame early nerves and a mid-innings collapse to reach 160/7 in 20 overs. Saim Ayub was sent into bat, but with just four runs scored, he was dismissed for a golden duck, instantly shocking the Green Shirts. Mohammad Haris and Sahibzada Farhan were reunited after the loss, and they provided a vital 85-run partnership for the second wicket to steady the innings.
Haris was the most impressive player, scoring 66 off 43 deliveries with seven fours and three soaring sixes, while Farhan’s 29 (29 balls, one four) offered stability. Just as Pakistan looked set for a commanding total, Aamir Kaleem struck twice in successive overs, removing skipper Salman Ali Agha for a duck and ending Haris’s dazzling knock.
Mohammad Nawaz’s explosive cameo of 19 off just 10 balls and Fakhar Zaman’s composed 23 not out (16 balls, 2 fours) helped Pakistan recover and surpass 160. Oman’s bowlers, led by Muhammad Nadeem with one wicket and Aamir Kaleem and Faisal with three each, made sure Pakistan didn’t escape with an even higher score.
