Haris Leads the Way with Blazing 66 as Pakistan Set 160
Pakistan kicked off their Asia Cup campaign with a commanding 93-run win over debutant Oman in Dubai on Friday. Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted 160-7, thanks largely to a return-to-form half-century by Mohammad Haris.
Haris smashed 66 off just 43 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, anchoring the innings after an early setback. He shared a vital 85-run stand with Sahibzada Farhan (29 off 29), helping Pakistan recover from the loss of Saim Ayub in the very first over.
Oman’s bowlers, however, made Pakistan work for every run. Spinner Aamir Kaleem (3-31) and pacer Shah Faisal (3-34) were impressive, with Faisal picking up key wickets including Hasan Nawaz (9) and Mohammad Nawaz (19). Pakistan managed 49 runs in the final five overs, with Fakhar Zaman finishing unbeaten on 23 from 16 deliveries.
Oman Collapse for 67 as Pakistan Bowlers Dominate
In reply, Oman — featuring six players of Pakistani origin — crumbled under pressure, getting bowled out for just 67 in 16.4 overs. Only Hammad Mirza offered resistance with a 27-run knock off 23 balls, including a six and three boundaries.
Pakistan’s bowlers were ruthless. Sufiyan Muqeem (2-7) and Saim Ayub (2-8) spun a web around the Oman batters, while Faheem Ashraf (2-6) cleaned up the lower order with ease.
The emphatic victory puts Pakistan on top of Group A and builds momentum ahead of their much-anticipated clash against India in Dubai on Sunday. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka in a Group B fixture in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
