Dubai, Sep 13: A spirited bowling display from Shah Faisal and Aamir Kaleem helped Oman restrict Pakistan to 160/7 in their Group A encounter of the Asia Cup at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday. Both bowlers claimed three wickets each, keeping the visitors under control despite a solid start from Pakistan’s Mohammad Haris.
Haris top-scored with a 66-run knock, while Fakhar Zaman remained unbeaten on 23, guiding Pakistan to a competitive total. However, early setbacks put Pakistan under pressure after they opted to bat first. Opener Saim Ayub was dismissed for a golden duck by Shah Faisal, giving Oman an early breakthrough.
Haris and Sahibzada Farhan then stitched a crucial 84-run partnership for the second wicket, stabilizing Pakistan’s innings. Haris reached his maiden T20I half-century off just 32 balls, helping Pakistan reach 85/1 after 10 overs.
The momentum shifted when Aamir Kaleem dismissed Farhan for 29 in the 11th over and removed Haris soon after, curtailing Pakistan’s scoring rate. Kaleem also trapped captain Salman Agha on a flighted full-toss, leaving Pakistan reeling. Shah Faisal continued the pressure, taking the key wicket of Mohammad Nawaz to deny Pakistan a strong finish.
Shakeel Ahmed provided crucial support by maintaining tight lines, finishing with 0-17 in four overs. Oman’s bowlers, especially Kaleem and Faisal, delivered under pressure, successfully keeping Pakistan to a modest 160/7 in 20 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.