PAK vs OMN Match Preview – In a classic David vs. Goliath encounter, cricketing giants Pakistan will kick off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against a determined Oman side at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday, September 12th. The match marks a significant moment for Oman, who are making their debut in the prestigious tournament and will be eager to test their mettle against one of the world’s best T20I teams. For Pakistan, this opening fixture presents an opportunity to start their quest for continental glory on a high note and build momentum for the tougher challenges ahead.
Pakistan enters the tournament fresh off a triumphant T20I tri-series victory in Sharjah and will be brimming with confidence. In contrast, Oman’s recent form has been a mixed bag of results in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. This Group A clash will be a stern test of their capabilities against a top-tier associate nation.
PAK vs OMN Match Details
PAK vs OMN Head-to-Head
Pakistan and Oman have never faced each other in an official T20 International, making this a historic first encounter between the two nations in this format. Their only meeting in a competitive setting was during the 2024 ACC Men’s Emerging Asia Cup T20, where Pakistan Shaheens secured a convincing 74-run victory. While this provides a glimpse into Pakistan’s strength in depth, the official head-to-head record remains untrodden territory.
PAK vs OMN Pitch Report: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The pitch at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is renowned for its balanced nature, offering assistance to both batsmen and bowlers. The surface is expected to be on the drier side, which could bring the spinners from both sides into play, especially in the middle overs as the ball gets older.
In the initial phase of the innings, the new ball is likely to come onto the bat nicely, allowing for good stroke play. However, as the game progresses, bowlers who vary their pace and use cutters could prove to be effective. The larger boundaries will also test the power-hitting abilities of the batsmen. With dew being a potential factor in the evening, the team winning the toss might prefer to bowl first and chase down the target under the lights. A competitive first-innings score is expected to be in the range of 160-170.
PAK vs OMN Weather Report
The weather in Dubai on the evening of September 12th is expected to be hot and humid, typical for this time of year. There is no chance of rain, so a full, uninterrupted match is on the cards. The temperature will likely hover around the low to mid-30s Celsius during the match. The high humidity levels could test the fitness of the players, and managing fatigue will be a key factor for both teams.
PAK vs OMN Squads
Pakistan (PAK): Fakhar Zaman, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Khushdil-Shah, Naseem-Shah, Haris Rauf, Agha Salman(C), Mohammad Wasim, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Haris(WK), Abrar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, Sufiyan Muqeem, Sahibzada Farhan(WK), Hassan Nawaz, Salman Mirza
Oman (OMN): Jatinder Singh(C), Aamir Kaleem, Muhammad Nadeem, Sufyan Mehmood, Muzahir Raza, Pruthvikumar Damubhai, Ashish Odedara, Hassnain Shah, Karan Sonavale, Jay Odedra, Samay Shrivastava, Shakeel Ahmad, Imran Muhammed, Hammad Mirza, Vinayak Shukla(WK), Mujibur Imran Ali, Hasnain Ali Shah, Aryan Bisht
PAK vs OMN Match Prediction
Pakistan will go into this contest as the overwhelming favorites, and it would take a monumental effort from Oman to cause an upset. The Pakistani side boasts a formidable lineup of experienced and talented players who are well-versed in playing in UAE conditions. The pace attack, led by the fiery Shaheen Afridi and supported by Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, will pose a significant threat to the Omani batting order. The batting department, with the likes of Fakhar Zaman and the emerging Saim Ayub, has the firepower to post a massive total.
For Oman, the key will be to play fearless cricket and execute their skills to the best of their ability. Captain Jatinder Singh will need to lead from the front with the bat, while their bowlers will have the arduous task of containing a world-class batting lineup. While Oman has shown promise in associate cricket, the step-up in quality against a team like Pakistan is substantial.
Expect Pakistan to dominate the proceedings and secure a comfortable victory to begin their Asia Cup 2025 journey in style.
Prediction: Pakistan to win by a significant margin.
