Pakistan Starts Asia Cup 2025 with Convincing 93-Run Win Over Oman, Spinners Dominate

Pakistan began its Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding 93-run victory over Oman in the Group A clash held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 12. Despite some visible weaknesses in their batting lineup, Pakistan’s strong spin attack proved decisive in dismantling the Omani batting order and securing a one-sided win.

Batting first, Pakistan posted a modest total of 160 runs for 7 wickets. The innings got off to a shaky start with opener Saim Ayub falling early, but Mohammad Haris played a crucial, explosive knock of 66 runs off 43 balls, including seven boundaries and three sixes. Haris built key partnerships, notably an 85-run stand with Sahibzada Farhan. Veteran Omani spinner Aamir Kaleem was the most successful bowler for Oman, taking three wickets, with Shah Faisal also claiming three wickets.

Oman’s response was quickly derailed by Pakistan’s spin trio and sharp bowling. Saim Ayub led the bowling efforts, taking two key wickets early on, including that of opener Jatinder Singh. Oman struggled to score, losing wickets rapidly after reaching 41 runs. Left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem was instrumental in triggering the collapse, while Faheem Ashraf also picked up two wickets. Oman were bowled out for just 67 runs, their batting frailties fully exposed by Pakistan’s disciplined bowling performance.

The emphatic victory has positioned Pakistan well in Group A’s points table, securing 2 points and momentum ahead of their crucial upcoming match against India on September 14. The win underscores Pakistan’s spin strength and sets a confident tone as they continue their Asia Cup journey.### Phil Salt's Record-Breaking Century

Phil Salt delivered a stunning performance in the second T20I against South Africa at Manchester, scoring the fastest century for England in just 39 balls. His explosive innings of 141 not out included 15 fours and 8 sixes, accumulating 108 runs just from boundaries. Salt, along with Jos Buttler, forged a record 127-run opening partnership in 47 balls, completely demoralizing the South African bowlers. This century made Salt the fastest batsman to reach 100 for England in T20Is, breaking the previous record of 42 balls set by Liam Livingstone.

Salt also became the fourth batsman globally to score four or more centuries in T20Is, achieving this in just 42 innings. This put him ahead of Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, who has four centuries in 80 innings. Salt's innings helped England post a massive 304/2, securing a 146-run victory, the biggest defeat South Africa has suffered in terms of runs. South African bowler Kagiso Rabada recorded the most expensive bowling figures for a South African in T20Is by conceding 70 runs in 4 overs.

England vs South Africa T20I Historic Victory

England's victory over South Africa by 146 runs in Manchester set multiple records, including crossing 300 runs in a T20I innings for the first time by a Test-playing nation. Phil Salt's explosive 141* and Jos Buttler's fiery 83 guided England to 304/2 in 20 overs. South Africa was all out for 158 in 16.1 overs. Despite a rapid start by Markram and Rickleton, South Africa's innings collapsed due to tight bowling from England's bowlers, headed by Jofra Archer.

Asia Cup 2025 Update: Pakistan Starts with a Big Win

In Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan began its campaign with a commanding 93-run victory over Oman at the Dubai International Stadium. Mohammad Harris played a crucial innings, scoring 66 runs in 43 balls. Despite struggles in batting, Pakistan's strong spinning attack dismantled Oman, who were bowled out for 67. Omar spinners Aamir Kaleem and Shah Faisal took 3 wickets each.

Pakistan's victory brought them to second place in Group A points table, behind India, which leads due to a significantly higher net run rate after a dominant win over UAE. On September 14, India will face Pakistan in a highly anticipated match that may determine the group’s leader and advancement prospects.

Pakistan vs Oman Detailed Match Summary

Pakistan posted 160/7 batting first, thanks to Mohammad Harris's aggressive 66 and solid partnerships. On the bowling side, Saim Ayub, Faheem Ashraf, and Sufiyan Muqeem contributed important wickets. Oman started well but quickly faltered under pressure from Pakistan's spinners, leading to a collapse from 41/2 to 67 all out. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling and effective spin attack ensured a strong start for the team in the tournament.