Asia Cup: Pakistan demolish Oman with 93-run rout ahead of India clash

Pakistan began their Asia Cup campaign on a strong note, demolishing debutants Oman by 93 runs in Dubai on Friday. Mohammad Haris struck a fluent half-century before the bowlers dismantled Oman’s chase inside 17 overs. Opting to bat first, Pakistan recovered from the early dismissal of Saim Ayub, trapped by Shah Faisal for a second-ball duck.Haris and Sahibzada Farhan rebuilt the innings with an 85-run stand for the second wicket. Haris led the way with a 43-ball 66, featuring seven fours and three sixes, registering his second T20I fifty. Farhan contributed 29 from as many balls. Despite the partnership, Oman’s bowlers kept Pakistan from breaking free. Debutant Faisal impressed with 3 for 34, including the wickets of Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Nawaz. Aamir Kaleem’s left-arm spin also proved effective as he returned 3 for 31. Their efforts restricted Pakistan to 160 for 7, with Fakhar Zaman’s unbeaten 23 from 16 balls providing the late push. Oman’s reply however, never materialised. Hammad Mirza showed brief resistance with 27 off 23 deliveries, striking three fours and a six, but he lacked support. Pakistan’s attack, led by spinners Sufiyan Muqeem (2 for 7) and part-timer Ayub (2 for 8), strangled the innings. Seamer Faheem Ashraf chipped in with 2 for 6 as Oman were bowled out for just 67 in 16.4 overs. The result highlighted the massive gap in experience between the two sides. Oman, fielding six players of Pakistani origin, struggled to cope with the pressure of a major tournament debut, while Pakistan overcame an underwhelming batting display through their varied bowling attack. With two points secured, Pakistan now turn their attention to Sunday’s high-profile clash in Group A against India in Dubai, with this massive win serving a sharp reminder that on their day, even India should be wary of this Pakistan side. Elsewhere, Group B action resumes in Abu Dhabi on Saturday when Bangladesh face Sri Lanka.Brief Scores: Pakistan 160/7 in 20 overs (Mohammad Haris 66, Sahibzada Farhan 29; Aamir Kaleem 3-31, Shah Faisal 3-34) Oman 67 all out in 16.4 overs (Hammad Mirza 27; Sufiyan Muqeem 2-7, Saim Ayub 2-8, Faheem Ashraf 2-6)