Dubai International Stadium – September 12, 2025 marks the start of Pakistan’s Asia Cup campaign, and they open with a match against Asia Cup debutants Oman. Pakistan, fresh off a successful T20 tri-series win, will look to set the tone early. Oman, meanwhile, are hoping to turn nerves into energy on a big stage.
This clash pits a confident, explosive Pakistan side against a relatively inexperienced Oman outfit. The former will aim to assert dominance quickly; the latter will try to soak up pressure and perhaps spring a few surprises.
Pakistan’s Asia Cup Story: Rebuilding Boldly
Pakistan come into Asia Cup 2025 as defending T20 champions, but this time around they’re doing so with a very different core: no Babar Azam, no Mohammad Rizwan. The Pakistan Cricket Board has turned to a younger, more aggressive T20 squad under new captain Salman Ali Agha.
Their recent form has been solid, with a strong showing in the tri-series involving UAE and Afghanistan, giving them momentum and confidence heading into the continental tournament. The strategy appears clear: aggressive batting upfront, fresh spin options, and a high-energy attack aimed at unsettling opponents early.
Oman’s Debut Day: Big Dreams, Few Edges
For Oman, just making it to the Asia Cup is a milestone. This is their first appearance in the tournament. Oman’s path to the Asia Cup has been inspirational — a small-nation cricket side improving steadily, often balancing jobs and cricketing commitments.
That said, there are clear challenges. Oman’s squad is a blend of experienced players like Jatinder Singh and newer faces who will be feeling the weight of a big international stage for the first time. Expect Oman to play fearless cricket, but Pakistan’s firepower and depth will be a stiff test.
Squads & Player Info
Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Squad (T20I)
Captain: Salman Ali Agha
Wicket-keeper: Mohammad Haris
Other squad members:
Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jr., Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Moqim
Key Pakistani player notes:
- Sahibzada Farhan has returned to form strongly in 2025, and a big score here could solidify his place in Pakistan’s attacking framework.
- Salman Ali Agha brings fresh leadership and T20 aggression to the captaincy.
- Mohammad Nawaz anchors the spin attack, and recent form suggests he can be a major wicket-taking threat.
Oman Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Captain: Jatinder Singh
Squad members:
Jatinder Singh (c), Hammad Mirza, Vinayak Shukla, Sufyan Yousuf, Ashish Odedera, Aamir Kaleem, Mohammed Nadeem, Sufyan Mehmood, Aryan Bisht, Karan Sonavale, Zikriya Islam, Hassnain Ali Shah, Faisal Shah, Muhammed Imran, Nadeem Khan, Shakeel Ahmad, Samay Shrivastava
Key Oman player notes:
- Jatinder Singh is Oman’s experienced opener-captain and will likely play a calming, anchoring role in their batting innings.
- Shakeel Ahmad and Ashish Odedera are expected to lead Oman’s spin and pace attacks, respectively, and could be key if conditions favour turn or if Oman want to disrupt Pakistan’s flow.
Key Player Battles To Watch
Sahibzada Farhan vs Shakeel Ahmad
Farhan needs a big score to cement his role as Pakistan’s aggressor—his ability to break out early will be tested by Oman’s spin options like Shakeel Ahmad, who could exploit Dubai’s turning track.
Saim Ayub vs Aamir Kaleem
Ayub brings flair and adaptability to Pakistan’s top order. Aamir Kaleem, with his experience, could disrupt Pakistan’s rhythm, especially if he gets to bowl a few overs or stabilizes mid-innings.
Mohammad Nawaz vs Jatinder Singh
Nawaz, a proven wicket-taker and control spinner, poses a major threat to Oman’s batting backbone. Jatinder Singh, with experience and the ability to pace an inning, will be central to Oman’s hopes; how he handles Nawaz’s variations could define how deep Oman bats.
Head-To-Head Record
This will be the first T20I meeting between Pakistan and Oman — making the match a fresh contest without historical baggage, but heavy expectations.
Pitch & Weather Report – Dubai International Stadium
Dubai’s pitches typically offer grip and turn as the game progresses, making spin a key component. Pakistan are likely to deploy both Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Moqim, aiming to exploit the pitch early and often. Conditions favour teams with spin-depth and good footwork.
Weather is likely to be hot and dry, with evening temperatures hovering in the mid-30°C range — fitness and stamina, especially in the final overs, could play a role.
Statistical Preview & Key Records
Pakistan in T20Is
- Pakistan’s highest-ever T20I total: 232/6 vs England, 2021
- Fakhar Zaman has amassed over 2,100 T20I runs at a strike rate around 132
Oman in T20Is
- Oman’s highest T20I total: 220/5 vs Bahrain, 2022
- Jatinder Singh has scored over 1,300 T20I runs in his career, with a strike rate in the 110–120 range
Milestones in Sight
- Sahibzada Farhan could edge past 2,000 career T20I runs with a solid outing in this match
- Mohammad Nawaz could reinforce his status as Pakistan’s leading spin wicket-taker in the tournament
- For Oman, Jatinder Singh might reach or exceed 1,400 T20I career runs during this Asia Cup
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
Oman: Jatinder Singh (c), Hammad Mirza, Sufyan Yousuf, Aamir Kaleem, Vinayak Shukla, Ashish Odedera, Sufyan Mehmood, Shakeel Ahmad, Aryan Bisht, Karan Sonavale, Mohammed Nadeem
Prediction: Pakistan Heavy Favorites, But Oman Have Spirit
On paper, Pakistan look overwhelming favorites — deeper squad, stronger recent form, sharper spin attack. Their aggressive batting lineup and fresh leadership under Salman Ali Agha give them a clear edge.
Still, Oman bring passion and fearless intent. If Jatinder Singh anchors a solid innings and Oman’s bowlers exploit spin-friendly patches, they could give Pakistan a test. Pakistan should probably win comfortably, but Oman have enough grit to make things interesting if Pakistan don’t bring their A-game.
