Pakistan delivered a commanding performance in their Asia Cup 2025 Group A encounter in Dubai, thrashing Oman by 93 runs. Defending 161, Pakistan’s bowlers dismantled Oman for a paltry 67 in just 14 overs. After the game, Omani cricketer Sufiyan Mahmood highlighted the widening gap between Associate teams and Test-playing nations, urging for more exposure at the top level.
“I think the gap you are witnessing between an associate nation and a Test-playing nation can be reduced only when you play more cricket together. If you play a game once in two or three years, the difference will remain. I think it is a good learning experience for all the associate teams in this Asia Cup, and more Associate nations should play against Test-playing nations. Only then can the standard improve and the gap be filled; otherwise it will not,” Mahmood said at the post-match press conference.
Pakistan’s Innings: Haris Leads the Way
Batting first, Pakistan were restricted to 160/7 in their 20 overs, with Oman’s bowlers putting up an admirable fight. Despite a strong start from Pakistan, Oman bounced back after the halfway mark. Mahmood praised his team’s spirited bowling performance.
“Yes, obviously the way we started, and the way the game changed after 10 overs, we could have restricted them to a lower score but overall I think we are happy with the bowling, the way the boys have bowled and made a comeback after 10 overs when there were 80 runs I think, so, bowling has been good overall,” he added.
Pakistan’s batting highlight came from Mohammad Haris, who smashed 66 runs to lay the foundation for his side’s total. His aggressive innings earned him the Player of the Match award.
Pakistan Bowlers Dominate with Ruthless Accuracy
Oman’s chase never got going. Chasing 161, they lost skipper Jatinder Singh for one in the second over after a tight start by Shaheen Afridi. Aamir Kaleem, who scored 13, was trapped LBW by Saim Ayub, while Mohammad Nadeem’s struggle ended when Sufiyan Muqeem dismissed him for just three.
The collapse deepened as Mahmood himself fell to Mohammad Nawaz for one. Wicketkeeper Vinayak Shukla was run out by Afridi’s sharp throw, and the lone resistance came from Hammad Mirza, who scored 27 off 23 balls. Once Muqeem removed him, Oman’s innings crumbled.
At the halfway stage, Oman were reduced to 49/6, with Pakistan’s spinners running riot. Muqeem finished with two wickets, Nawaz added another, and Faheem Ashraf chipped in with crucial strikes. Afridi cleaned up Shah Faisal for one and looked in menacing form ahead of the much-anticipated India clash.
In total, Pakistan’s spinners claimed six wickets while conceding just 40 runs in 11 overs, showcasing their dominance on a slow Dubai surface.
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