Dubai is ready to witness another chapter of the Asia Cup 2025 as Pakistan open their campaign against debutants Oman on Friday. While the clash looks tilted in favour of the former champions on paper, the real curiosity lies in how the Dubai pitch will behave.
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has hosted 111 T20 internationals, and the numbers show that chasing teams enjoy a slight edge here — 59 wins while batting second compared to 51 for sides batting first. With dew often playing a role under lights, captains usually prefer to chase.
The average first innings score in Dubai hovers around 145–150, but the surface has produced both high-scoring thrillers and low-scoring spin battles. The highest total recorded here is 211/3, while the lowest is just 55, underlining how unpredictable this wicket can be.
For Pakistan, these conditions could play into their strengths. Spinner Mohammad Nawaz, fresh from his Tri-Series heroics, will be the key. Alongside him, youngster Sufiyan Muqeem and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed add variety to the attack. The pace battery, led by Shaheen Afridi, will be looking to strike early before spin takes over.
On the batting front, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub are expected to set the tone at the top, while skipper Salman Ali Agha brings stability in the middle. For Pakistan, the Oman clash isn’t just about points—it’s a chance to test combinations ahead of the blockbuster against India.
For Oman, it’s a historic day. Making their Asia Cup debut, the Jatinder Singh-led side will step out against one of the giants of world cricket. With little to lose, Oman might just play fearless cricket and hope to spring a surprise on a track where discipline with the ball often gets rewarded.
As the sun sets over Dubai, fans can expect a contest where Pakistan sharpen their arsenal and Oman chase history. One thing is certain: the Dubai pitch, with its mix of grip, bounce, and unpredictability, will have its own say.
