Date: September 12, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM IST
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE
Match: Group A, 4th Match — Pakistan vs Oman

What’s at Stake

Pakistan begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against Oman. This will be Oman’s first appearance in the Asia Cup, making this match a milestone for them. For Pakistan, it’s crucial to start strong—momentum from the opening game matters, especially since they will soon face arch-rival India.

Team News & Potential Lineups

Oman

• Captain: Jatinder Singh.

• Oman have undergone significant changes in squad makeup due to internal pay disputes. Several established players are missing, making this a “new-look” side.

• Key batters: Jatinder Singh, Hammad Mirza, Vinayak Shukla.

• Bowlers to watch: Shakeel Ahmed, Hassnain Shah. These are among Oman’s more experienced or promising names for this tournament.

Pakistan

• Probable XI includes: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

• Recent form has been good; Pakistan have won 4 of their last 5 T20Is.

• Key players who may influence the match: Shaheen Shah Afridi (pace and strike with the new ball), Hasan Nawaz/Mohammad Nawaz (spin and all-round ability), and Fakhar Zaman or Saim Ayub at the top for sharp starts.

Conditions & Venue Insights

• Pitch: Dubai International Cricket Stadium is expected to favour batters, especially after the powerplay, though the new ball may move slightly and swing under lights. Players who can build an innings and rotate the strike will be valuable.

• Weather: Hot, dry, with high temperatures at around mid-30°C. Dew may play a role later in the evening.

Key Matchups / Battles to Watch

• Shaheen Shah Afridi vs Oman top‐order: Early wickets will disrupt Oman’s plans.

• Pakistan’s spin (Mohammad Nawaz / others) vs Oman’s middle order: Good spinners can exploit pitch turn later in the innings.

• Oman’s leading batters vs Pakistan’s pace attack: Can Jatinder Singh and Co. handle pace and pressure?

• Pakistan’s batting depth: With Oman being relatively less experienced, Pakistan’s middle order must capitalize if early wickets are lost.

Prediction & Thoughts

While Oman have shown glimpses of promise in T20s, they’re facing a much stronger, more consistent Pakistani side with greater depth and experience. Pakistan are clear favorites, but Oman could cause trouble if Pakistan don’t click early—particularly against spin or under pressure.

Expect Pakistan to bat first (if they win the toss) and post a competitive total of 170-190 runs (assuming good batting conditions), then rely on their bowling attack to restrict Oman. Oman will need a strong start and some disciplined bowling to upset the odds.

Viewers’ Information

• Broadcast / Streaming:
  Pakistan viewers: PTV Sports and the Tamasha app.
  India: Sony Sports Network & SonyLIV.
  Global: Platforms like YuppTV depending on region.

• Head-to-Head: This match marks the first time Pakistan and Oman will meet in the Asia Cup in T20 format.

Final Word

This matchup offers a perfect blend of experience vs enthusiasm. Pakistan will be confident and rightly so, but Oman have nothing to lose and everything to gain—momentum, exposure, and perhaps an upset or two. Cricket fans should look forward to a match that could either reinforce expectations or deliver a surprise.