With a big win, Salman Ali Agha’s team got their Asia Cup campaign off to a flying start.
Oman bowled quite well, especially in the last 10 overs where their disciplined attack kept the target within reach. But when it came to batting, they simply couldn’t stand firm. After Mohammad Haris’ half-century and a polished performance from the bowlers, Pakistan cruised to an easy victory.
In their Group A clash against Asia Cup debutants Oman, Pakistan won by 93 runs.
At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday, Pakistan were 85 for 1 after 10 overs but eventually finished on 160. In reply, Oman were bundled out for just 67.
The star of the win was Haris. Coming in at number three, the wicketkeeper-batter smashed 7 fours and 3 sixes in his 43-ball 66, earning the Player of the Match award.
This was the first-ever meeting between the two sides in any format. Pakistan didn’t start well after winning the toss and opting to bat. Saim Ayub was dismissed on the second ball of the match. Oman could have struck again soon after, but Amir Kaleem dropped an easy catch of Sahibzada Farhan at point.
In the first five overs, Pakistan managed only two boundaries and reached 31.
The last over of the Powerplay gave them momentum as Sahibzada hit a four, while Haris added a four and a six, collecting 16 runs. The partnership began to flourish, and Haris raced to his fifty in 32 balls with aggressive strokeplay.
At 85 for 1 after 10 overs, Pakistan looked set for a huge total, but they lost their way. Kaleem broke the 64-ball 85-run stand by removing Sahibzada (29 off 29). In his next over, he dismissed Haris and captain Salman Ali Agha off consecutive balls.
Hasan Nawaz struggled for a 15-ball 9, but cameos from Fakhar Zaman (23* off 16) and Mohammad Nawaz (19 off 10) helped Pakistan post 160.
For Oman, Kaleem and Shah Faisal picked up three wickets each.
In the chase, Oman collapsed from the start, losing wickets at regular intervals and never posing any threat.
Among their top eight batters, only Hammad Mirza (27 off 23) and Kaleem (13 off 12) reached double figures.
All six of Pakistan’s bowlers took wickets. Saim, Faheem, and Sufiyan Muqeem grabbed two apiece.
Pakistan will face arch-rivals India in their second match on Sunday, while Oman will play the UAE on Monday.
Summary
- Pakistan: 160/7 in 20 overs (Haris 66, Sahibzada 29, Fakhar 23*, Mohammad Nawaz 19; Faisal 3/34, Kaleem 3/31)
- Oman: 67 in 16.4 overs (Hammad 27, Kaleem 13; Saim 2/8, Faheem 2/6, Muqeem 2/7)
Result: Pakistan won by 93 runs
Player of the Match: Mohammad Haris
