By Himadullah Sohoo 
Pakistan began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a dominant 93-run victory over Oman in Dubai, thanks to a brilliant half-century from Mohammad Haris and a clinical spin-bowling display.
Haris Breaks Shackles with Match-Winning Knock
After being promoted up the order, Mohammad Haris repaid the management’s faith with a blistering 66 off 43 balls, his second fifty-plus score in T20Is. Pakistan’s innings started cautiously, with Saim Ayub falling early and Sahibzada Farhan struggling for fluency. At 31/1 after five overs, the pressure was on.
Haris changed the tempo in the final powerplay over, smashing 16 runs and shifting gears instantly. His next 25 deliveries yielded 50 runs, featuring three sixes and multiple boundary-riding strokes that left Oman searching for answers. His counterattack ensured Pakistan reached a competitive 160/7 on a surface where timing was tricky.
Aamir Kaleem (3/31) and Shah Faisal (3/34) were Oman’s standout bowlers, exploiting the sluggish track to keep Pakistan from running away, but Haris’ knock ensured his side always had the upper hand.
Oman Collapse Under Spin Pressure
Chasing 161, Oman started with intent, reaching 32/2 by the fifth over, but once again Haris influenced proceedings indirectly—Saim Ayub, used as a part-time option, removed both openers in the Powerplay.
From there, Pakistan’s spinners took complete control. Sufiyan Muqeem (2/7), Mohammad Nawaz (1/10), and Abrar Ahmed (1/9) squeezed the scoring, drying up runs and forcing mistakes.
What followed was a collapse: Oman slipped from 41/2 to 51/9, losing seven wickets for just ten runs. Only Hammad Mirza (27 off 23) resisted briefly, but the lack of partnerships meant Oman folded for just 67 in 16.4 overs.
Haris’ Redemption
For Haris, the innings was more than just runs—it was redemption. Coming into the game with only 54 runs in his previous 11 innings, his attacking approach defined Pakistan’s innings. His 66 now stands as his highest T20I score and a reminder of his power-hitting potential in the top order.
Brief Scores
Pakistan 160/7 (20 overs): Mohammad Haris 66 (43), Sahibzada Farhan 29 (29), Aamir Kaleem 3/31, Shah Faisal 3/34
Oman 67 all out (16.4 overs): Hammad Mirza 27 (23), Aamir Kaleem 13 (11), Sufiyan Muqeem 2/7, Faheem Ashraf 2/6, Saim Ayub 2/8
Result: Pakistan won by 93 runs
Player of the Match: Mohammad Haris (66 off 43)
Anas Ahmed 
Zainab Shafiq