Pakistan crushed Oman by 93 runs in their opening match of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai. Pakistan posted 160/7 in 20 overs with the help of a superb knock by Mohammad Haris. Haris smashed 66 runs off 43 balls, guiding Pakistan to a total of 160 runs. In reply, Oman showed little resistance against Pakistan’s spinners and were bundled out for 67. Haris’ match-winning innings and the spinners’ brilliance ensured a comprehensive victory for Pakistan.

Haris Leads Pakistan’s Batting Effort

The innings started slowly, with Pakistan reaching only 31 runs in the first five overs. Oman struck early when Saim Ayub was trapped lbw by a low delivery, while Sahibzada Farhan continued his poor form with a scratchy knock. It was Haris who brought life to the innings.

Until the sixth over, Haris had scored just 16 runs off 18 balls. Then, he shifted gears, hitting 50 runs off his next 25 balls. Sixteen runs came off the final over of the powerplay, setting the tone for a crucial middle phase.

However, Oman fought back through Aamir Kaleem. The left-arm spinner dismissed Haris, who dragged a delivery onto his stumps. In his very next ball, Salman Agha was caught at deep midwicket trying to lap a full toss. This triggered another slow period for Pakistan, with boundaries drying up.

Fakhar Zaman struggled to find rhythm, and Hasan Nawaz, known for his late hitting, failed to accelerate, scoring just nine runs off 15 balls before being dismissed. Mohammad Nawaz provided a quick cameo late in the innings, pushing Pakistan beyond the 150-mark.

Oman's Bowling Shines Despite Loss

Aamir Kaleem was the standout bowler for Oman, taking three crucial wickets and keeping Pakistan in check during the middle overs. The Omani spinners received good support from the pitch and managed to control Pakistan’s scoring rate at different stages.

Haris Justifies His Selection

Haris had been under pressure before this match, with only 54 runs in his previous 11 innings. Pakistan promoted him to bat during the powerplay, a move that paid off handsomely.

His aggressive approach kept Pakistan's run rate healthy despite Farhan’s struggles at the other end. Haris smashed three sixes and multiple boundaries, reaching his fifty with a towering shot. His knock of 66 off 43 balls was just three deliveries short of his longest T20I innings.

This performance highlighted why Pakistan continues to back him despite his recent failures. His innings not only steadied Pakistan after early setbacks but also gave them a strong total to defend.

Pakistan's Spin Attack Dominates Oman

Oman started their chase confidently, reaching 32 for 2 in the first five overs. Saim Ayub dismissed both openers early, setting the stage for Pakistan's spinners to take control.

From there, it turned into a collapse. Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz bowled with precision, choking Oman’s scoring options.

Muqeem struck first by removing Mohammad Nadeem to make it 41 for 3. After that, wickets tumbled quickly. Nawaz joined in with key breakthroughs, and Muqeem struck again in his next over.

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Faheem Ashraf cleaned up the tail, as Oman crumbled from 41 for 2 to being bowled out for just 67. They lost seven wickets for only ten runs, turning the match into a one-sided affair.