Match Overview
- Fixture: Pakistan vs Oman, Asia Cup 2025
- Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
- Result: Pakistan won by 93 runs
- Pakistan Innings: 160 all out (19.5 overs)
- Oman Innings: 67 all out (16.4 overs)
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Pakistan’s Innings: A Mixed Bag
Pakistan came into this match with confidence, but also with questions surrounding their batting. Against Oman, they had a chance to silence critics. Instead, the innings highlighted familiar issues: a reliance on individual brilliance and a lack of middle-order stability.
Powerplay (Overs 1–6)
Pakistan’s top order was shaky from the start. Babar Azam looked fluent early on, timing the ball beautifully, but an untimely dismissal once again raised concerns about his inability to convert starts into big innings in tournament play. Fakhar Zaman fell cheaply, unable to adapt to Oman’s disciplined line and length.
By the end of the powerplay, Pakistan were 37/2, which was below par given the batting-friendly pitch.
Middle Overs (Overs 7–15)
This phase belonged to Mohammad Haris, who anchored Pakistan’s innings with a well-compiled 66 runs off 42 balls. Haris showed great composure, mixing aggression with smart rotation of strike. His knock included crisp boundaries through the covers, innovative scoops, and authoritative pull shots.
Unfortunately, wickets kept tumbling around him. Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan couldn’t stay long at the crease, and Pakistan’s innings began to lose momentum. The lack of partnerships in the middle overs prevented Pakistan from setting a truly commanding target.
Death Overs (Overs 16–20)
Pakistan’s lower order failed to fire in the final stretch. Despite Haris’s brilliance, the team was bowled out for 160 in 19.5 overs. Credit goes to Oman’s bowlers, who executed yorkers effectively in the death overs and never allowed Pakistan’s hitters to cut loose.
Top Scorers:
- Mohammad Haris – 66 (42)
- Babar Azam – 24 (21)
- Iftikhar Ahmed – 18 (15)
Fall of Wickets: 12/1, 37/2, 58/3, 89/4, 124/5, 135/6, 145/7, 152/8, 158/9, 160 all out.
Expert Take
Former captain Wasim Akram criticized Pakistan’s approach, joking that he “went for a bite and came back to see most of the team dismissed.” His remarks highlighted the worry: Pakistan cannot afford such collapses against stronger opponents like India or Sri Lanka.
Oman’s Innings: Outclassed But Gained Experience
Chasing 161 against a world-class bowling attack was always going to be an uphill battle for Oman. What fans hoped for was resistance, but Pakistan’s bowlers were relentless.
Powerplay (Overs 1–6)
Oman’s top order was dismantled almost immediately. Shaheen Afridi struck in the very first over, swinging the new ball menacingly. Hasan Ali supported him by hitting hard lengths, and Oman’s batsmen found no answers. By the end of the powerplay, Oman were reeling at 28/4.
Middle Overs (Overs 7–15)
Oman’s middle order attempted to consolidate, with Ayaan Khan playing a few attractive shots. However, Pakistan’s spinners — Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz — tightened the screws. The run rate dipped sharply, and wickets continued to tumble. Oman’s hopes of staging a fightback vanished as they slumped to 52/7.
Death Overs (Overs 16–17)
The innings didn’t last long. Pakistan’s bowlers wrapped up the tail in under 17 overs, bowling Oman out for 67. The gulf in class between the two sides was evident.
Top Scorer (Oman):
- Ayaan Khan – 15 (18)
Best Bowlers (Pakistan):
- Shaheen Afridi – 3/14 (4 overs)
- Hasan Ali – 2/17 (3 overs)
- Shadab Khan – 2/20 (4 overs)
Expert Take
While Oman were comprehensively beaten, matches like these provide valuable exposure. Facing world-class bowlers like Shaheen Afridi helps associate nations understand the level they must reach to compete consistently.
Player Ratings
Pakistan
- Mohammad Haris (9/10): Brilliant knock of 66; played with maturity beyond his years. Lone warrior in Pakistan’s batting.
- Babar Azam (6/10): Looked good but once again failed to capitalize on his start.
- Shaheen Afridi (9/10): Devastating with the new ball; set the tone for the win.
- Hasan Ali (8/10): Bowled with accuracy and aggression.
- Shadab Khan (8/10): Controlled the middle overs, picked up crucial wickets.
- Middle Order (5/10): Inconsistent, failed to build partnerships.
Oman
- Ayaan Khan (7/10): Lone bright spot in an otherwise weak batting display.
- Oman’s Bowlers (6/10): Did well to restrict Pakistan under 170, showing discipline.
- Oman’s Batters (3/10): Overwhelmed by Pakistan’s pace and spin.
Tactical Analysis
Pakistan’s Approach
Pakistan’s batting strategy seemed flawed. While Haris excelled, others failed to rotate strike or support him. Against Oman, they could afford these lapses, but against India, Sri Lanka, or Afghanistan, this will cost them dearly.
Bowling-wise, Pakistan were excellent. Afridi’s pace, Hasan’s discipline, and Shadab’s spin created a complete package.
Oman’s Approach
Oman showed discipline with the ball but looked nervous with the bat. Their players must develop confidence against high-quality fast bowling. Exposure to more international cricket will help.
Statistical Highlights
- Highest Individual Score: Mohammad Haris – 66 (42)
- Best Bowling Figures: Shaheen Afridi – 3/14
- Team Totals: Pakistan 160 (19.5 overs), Oman 67 (16.4 overs)
- Winning Margin: 93 runs
Historical Context
This wasn’t the first time Pakistan dominated an associate nation in an Asia Cup. Historically, Pakistan has struggled against stronger sides but dominated minnows. The concern is that these easy wins often mask deeper issues — particularly in the batting order.
For Oman, simply qualifying for the Asia Cup and competing against giants like Pakistan is an achievement. Each match is an opportunity to learn.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan:
- Mohammad Haris is emerging as a reliable top-order batter.
- Middle-order instability remains the biggest concern.
- Bowling attack looks world-class and tournament-ready.
- Oman:
- Batting depth is lacking.
- Exposure to quality opposition will fast-track their development.
- Bowling showed glimpses of potential.
What’s Next?
Pakistan now face their fiercest rivals, India, in what promises to be the most-watched game of the tournament. If Pakistan are to compete, they must strengthen their middle-order batting and rely less on individual brilliance.
Oman will regroup and aim to put up a stronger fight in their remaining fixtures. While qualification may be unlikely, competing hard and gaining experience will be their primary goals.
Read Past Match Results:
India vs UAE Asia Cup 2025 Highlights
Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 Highlights
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs Oman clash may not have been the most balanced contest, but it provided valuable lessons. Pakistan reinforced their bowling dominance but must urgently address batting fragility. Oman, despite the heavy defeat, will take heart in the exposure gained at this level.
Cricket is as much about learning from defeats as it is about celebrating wins. For Pakistan, this was a reminder to stay vigilant. For Oman, it was another step in their cricketing journey.
