Pakistan launched their Asia Cup 2025 journey with a commanding performance, sealing a 93-run victory over Oman in the opening Group B clash at Dubai International Stadium on Friday.

The match marked Oman’s debut in the continental event, but the newcomers were left reeling against Pakistan’s all-round dominance.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a competitive 160/7 despite losing opener Saim Ayub for a golden duck early on. Haris played a crucial role, anchoring the innings with a blistering 66 off 43 balls, laced with seven boundaries and three sixes. His 85-run partnership with Sahibzada Farhan (29 off 29) steadied Pakistan after the shaky start.

Skipper Salman Ali Agha failed to score, while young Hasan Nawaz contributed nine. However, the finishing touches came from Fakhar Zaman, who remained unbeaten on 23 off 16, and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz, who smashed a quickfire 19 off 10 deliveries. Oman’s Aamir Kaleem and Faisal impressed with three wickets each, while Muhammad Nadeem claimed one.

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Chasing 161, Oman faltered against Pakistan’s fiery bowling attack. Their innings folded at 67 in just 16.4 overs, with middle-order batter Hammad Mirza offering brief resistance by scoring 27 off 23, hitting three fours and a six. Aamir Kaleem (13) and Shakeel Ahmed (10) were the only other batters to reach double digits.

For Pakistan, Saim Ayub, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Faheem Ashraf picked up two wickets apiece. Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with one each, ensuring a ruthless bowling display that never allowed Oman to settle.

The emphatic win not only gave Pakistan two points but also boosted their net run rate to 4.650, placing them second in Group B standings. The much-anticipated Pakistan vs Oman Asia Cup encounter has set the stage perfectly for their upcoming blockbuster against arch-rivals India at the same venue on Sunday.