Cricket nights in Dubai always promise excitement. On Friday, the Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash at Dubai International Stadium gave fans another dramatic contest. Pakistan beat Oman by 93 runs, thanks to a brilliant bowling display. But behind this big win was a story of batting struggles that Pakistan cannot ignore.

On paper, it looked like an easy victory. Pakistan scored 160 for seven, while Oman collapsed to just 67 all out. Yet, the performance raised questions about Pakistan’s middleorder batting. With a huge India vs Pakistan clash coming up at the same venue, these weaknesses could prove costly.

Pakistan’s Batting Starts Strong, But Collapses Again

Pakistan’s innings was a mix of promise and panic. Opener Saim Ayub was dismissed for a duck, putting pressure on the team early. But Mohammad Haris (66 off 43 balls) and Sahibzada Farhan (29 off 29 balls) gave Pakistan hope with a solid 85-run partnership for the second wicket.

At 89 for two in the 11^th over, Pakistan looked set for a big total. The fans expected them to cross 180 easily. But the middle-order collapsed, and the runs dried up. From 89 for two, they slipped to 120 for five. The scoring rate dropped, and the innings lost momentum.

It took Fakhar Zaman (23 not out off 16) and Mohammad Nawaz (19 off 10) to rescue the innings. Their late hitting added quick runs, lifting Pakistan to 160. It was a defendable total, but far from impressive against Oman’s modest bowling attack.

Mohammad Haris Stands Out With Aggressive Knock

The star of Pakistan’s batting was Mohammad Haris. His 66 runs came with seven fours and three sixes. He played with confidence and looked comfortable against the Omani bowlers. Haris showed intent, something missing in the middle order.

Farhan supported him but played too slowly, striking at just 100. This added pressure on the other batters. After his dismissal, wickets fell in clusters. The middle-order once again raised concerns, something Pakistan has struggled with in recent months.

The late cameos from Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Nawaz helped Pakistan reach a competitive score. But against stronger bowling units, such a collapse could be costly.

Oman’s Chase Falls Apart Quickly

If Pakistan’s batting was shaky, Oman’s batting was disastrous. Chasing 161, Oman never looked in control. Their batters collapsed under pressure, with nine players failing to score in double digits.

The only resistance came from Zeeshan Mirza (27 runs). No one else stayed long enough to build partnerships. Pakistan’s bowlers made full use of the conditions and attacked with discipline.

Saim Ayub, after failing with the bat, made an impact with the ball. He took two wickets with his part-time off-spin, dismissing Aamir Kaleem (13) and Jatinder Singh (1) early. This set the tone for Oman’s downfall.

From there, Pakistan’s attack dominated. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Ashraf, Muqeem, and Wasim Jr. All picked wickets. Oman folded for just 67 runs in 15.1 overs, giving Pakistan a huge win.

Dubai International Stadium: A Familiar Cricketing Stage

The match took place at the Dubai International Stadium, a venue famous for hosting many big games. But the stands were almost empty, with very few fans present. This lack of crowd energy was noticeable.

For the UAE, matches like these highlight both strengths and challenges. The country is a major cricket hub, hosting IPL, World Cups, and Asia Cup matches. But it also needs stronger local fan engagement to create lively atmospheres.

Still, Dubai remains a top destination for neutral venue cricket, especially for high-profile matches like India vs Pakistan.

Captain Salman Agha Acknowledges Batting Concerns

After the match, Pakistan captain Salman Agha admitted the batting performance was below par.

“It is hard to say but the way we started, we should have scored near 180,” Agha said.

He stressed that the team needs to improve its batting rhythm, especially before facing India. Agha also warned critics not to underestimate Pakistan.

“If we can execute our plans for a long enough period, we are good enough to beat any team,” he added.

Pakistan vs India: The Real Test in Dubai

The win over Oman gave Pakistan two important points. But the biggest challenge awaits. On Sunday, the Dubai International Stadium will host the clash everyone is waiting for Pakistan vs India.

This rivalry is the most watched in cricket. It draws millions of viewers worldwide and creates unmatched tension. For Pakistan, the stakes are high. Their bowlers look sharp, but their batters must step up against India’s world-class attack.

Facing bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj will be far tougher than facing Oman. If the middle order collapses again, Pakistan will struggle to compete.

The UAE will once again be the center of cricketing attention. Dubai will host fans, media, and global audiences glued to their screens for this iconic rivalry.

Key Lessons for Pakistan From the Oman Match

Pakistan must take several lessons from this match:

Improve middle-order stability: The collapse between overs 10–15 cannot continue.

Use powerplay better: Early wickets hurt scoring momentum. Strong starts are vital.

Back young players: Mohammad Haris showed promise and should be trusted with responsibility.

Finish strong: Fakhar and Nawaz showed the importance of finishing well.

If Pakistan learns from these mistakes, they can be stronger against India and other tough teams in the Asia Cup.

UAE’s Role as Cricket’s Global Hub

Beyond the match, this game reflects the UAE’s growing role in world cricket. The country continues to host top tournaments and historic rivalries. From the IPL to Asia Cup and T20 World Cup, the UAE has become cricket’s second home.

For Oman, playing in such tournaments gives them exposure to higher levels of cricket. It also helps cricket grow in the Gulf region. Matches like these are steps toward making the Middle East a stronger part of the cricketing map.

For the UAE, it is also about building fan culture. Filling stadiums and creating excitement around matches will make future events even bigger.

Big Win But Big Concerns

Pakistan’s 93-run win against Oman gave them a great start in the Asia Cup 2025. The bowlers were excellent, destroying Oman’s lineup with pace and spin. But the batters raised big questions with another shaky display.

The scorecard shows dominance, but the reality is more complex. Without Haris’s innings and late cameos, Pakistan’s total would have been far below par. Against a stronger team, that might not be enough.

With the high-pressure India clash in Dubai only hours away, Pakistan must take this game as both a confidence boost and a wake-up call. The bowlers can win matches, but the batters must share the responsibility.

For UAE cricket, the game highlights its role as the heart of global cricket in the Middle East. Dubai continues to host world-class matches, keeping the UAE in the spotlight of the cricketing world.