Oman’s bowlers Shah Faisal and Aamir Kaleem stole the show with three wickets each, holding Pakistan to a modest 160/7 in their 20-over Group A clash of the Asia Cup at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This thrilling T20 match on Friday kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Pakistan chose to bat first, but things got off to a rocky start. Opener Saim Ayub fell for a golden duck, caught lbw by Shah Faisal’s sharp bowling. That early jolt didn’t stop Mohammad Haris from shining bright. Teaming up with Sahibzada Farhan, Haris built an 84-run partnership for the second wicket, steadying the ship after the top-order wobble.
Haris played with flair, smashing three sixes and seven fours in his explosive 66-run knock—his first T20I half-century off just 32 balls. By the 10th over, Pakistan reached 85/1, adding a quick 38 runs post-powerplay. Fans thought a big total was on the cards.
But Oman’s spinners turned the game around. Aamir Kaleem struck twice in quick succession, first removing Farhan for 29 in the 11th over, then dismissing the star Haris. Kaleem outsmarted Pakistan captain Salman Agha too, tempting him into a full-toss catch at Hammad Mirza. Hasan Nawaz followed for 9, and Faisal wrapped up with Mohammad Nawaz’s wicket, killing any late surge.
Pakistan’s fightable score came thanks to Fakhar Zaman’s unbeaten 23, but Oman’s tight bowling kept them in check. Kaleem finished with 3/31, Faisal with 3/34, and Shakeel Ahmed impressed as the most economical with 0/17 in four overs.
Brief scores: Pakistan 160/7 in 20 overs (Mohammad Haris 66, Sahibzada Farhan 29; Aamir Kaleem 3/31, Shah Faisal 3/34) vs Oman.
This Asia Cup encounter highlights how Oman’s bowling attack can challenge powerhouses like Pakistan—stay tuned for the chase!
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