PAK vs OMN Match Preview – Asian giants Pakistan will kick off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against a spirited Oman side on Friday, September 12th, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Group A fixture marks Oman’s debut in the prestigious tournament, presenting them with a monumental challenge against one of the world’s top-ranked T20I teams. For Pakistan, it’s a crucial opportunity to start on a high note and build momentum ahead of the more anticipated clashes in the tournament.
Under the captaincy of Agha Salman, a youthful Pakistani squad will be eager to assert their dominance from the get-go. Oman, led by the experienced Jatinder Singh, will be looking to make a statement and prove they are more than capable of competing at this level.
PAK vs OMN Match Details
PAK vs OMN Head-to-Head
This will be the first-ever official T20 International between Pakistan and Oman, making it a historic occasion for both nations. While they have no prior international encounters, their only notable meeting came in the 2024 ACC Men’s Emerging Asia Cup, where Pakistan Shaheens (A team) secured a convincing 74-run victory over Oman. This previous result, though not at the senior international level, underscores the challenge that lies ahead for the Omani side.
PAK vs OMN Pitch Report: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The pitch in Dubai is renowned for being a balanced track, but it traditionally offers more to the bowlers than a typical flat T20 surface. The dry, abrasive nature of the pitch means spinners will come into play, especially in the middle overs, as the ball tends to grip and turn. Pacers can also expect some assistance with the new ball and at the death with their variations.
A key factor in Dubai, particularly for evening matches, is the dew. As the night progresses, the dew can make it difficult for bowlers to grip the ball, often giving a significant advantage to the team batting second. The “Ring of Fire” stadium has large boundaries, rewarding good placement and powerful hitting. Captains winning the toss will likely opt to field first. A competitive first-innings score is expected to be in the range of 160-175.
PAK vs OMN Weather Report
The weather in Dubai on Friday evening is expected to be hot and humid, typical for this time of year. There is zero chance of rain, ensuring an uninterrupted contest. The temperature will hover around 35-37°C at the start of play and will remain high throughout the match. The high humidity levels will be a significant factor, testing the fitness and endurance of the players from both sides.
PAK vs OMN Team 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 enters this contest as the overwhelming favorite, and it would be a monumental upset if Oman were to turn the tables. The Pakistani side boasts a world-class bowling attack featuring the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, whose pace and skill will be a stern test for the Omani batting lineup. Their batting has a mix of explosive talent like Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, and steady hands in the middle order.
Oman, while the underdogs, are a team on the rise. They will rely heavily on the experience of their captain, Jatinder Singh, to anchor the batting. Their bowlers will need to be exceptionally disciplined to contain a powerful Pakistani lineup.
Given the vast difference in experience, skill, and resources, Pakistan is expected to dominate the proceedings. However, Oman will be playing with pride and a desire to cause a stir on their Asia Cup debut. Expect Pakistan to secure a comfortable victory to begin their tournament.
Prediction: Pakistan to win convincingly.
