Match 4 | Pakistan vs Oman | Match Highlights | DP World Asia Cup 2025
Match 4 | Pakistan vs Oman | Match Highlights | DP World Asia Cup 2025
The fourth match of the DP World Asia Cup 2025 saw Pakistan lock horns with Oman, a contest that generated huge excitement among fans. Pakistan, with their strong cricketing legacy, entered the match as overwhelming favorites, while Oman came into the clash with the hunger to prove their growth on the international stage. Though the difference in experience between the two sides was clear, Oman’s fighting spirit made the encounter engaging for spectators.
Toss and Team Decisions
Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and opted to bat first, aiming to post a challenging total and put pressure on Oman’s batting lineup. The strategy was to allow their aggressive top order to dominate early, while their world-class bowlers would defend the total under lights.
Oman, led by Aqib Ilyas, were eager to make the most of their opportunity against a Test-playing nation. Their plan was to stay disciplined with the ball, restrict Pakistan below 170, and then rely on their experienced batters to chase.
Pakistan’s Batting – A Solid Display
Pakistan’s openers, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, began confidently. Both players displayed their trademark styles—Babar with elegant cover drives and Rizwan with busy strike rotation and improvisation.
Babar Azam played a captain’s knock, anchoring the innings with composure. His timing was flawless as he struck boundaries through the gaps, scoring 68 runs off 49 balls.
Rizwan provided stability with a well-paced 41 off 32 deliveries, ensuring Pakistan dominated the powerplay.
The partnership gave Pakistan the perfect foundation, putting Oman on the back foot early.
After Rizwan’s dismissal, Fakhar Zaman took the attack to Oman’s bowlers. Known for his fearless hitting, Fakhar smashed two sixes and three boundaries in a quickfire 32 off 18 balls, accelerating the run rate.
The finishing touches came from Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan, who played brisk cameos in the final overs. Their contributions pushed Pakistan’s total close to the 190 mark.
Pakistan Innings Summary:
Total: 188/5 in 20 overs
Top Scorers: Babar Azam (68), Mohammad Rizwan (41), Fakhar Zaman (32)
Best Bowler (Oman): Bilal Khan (2/34)
Oman’s Bowling Effort
Oman’s bowlers tried their best against a formidable Pakistani batting order.
Bilal Khan, their left-arm pacer, impressed with early swing and dismissed Rizwan. He later added another scalp in the death overs.
Aqib Ilyas, the captain, bowled with control in the middle overs, keeping Babar quiet briefly.
Kaleemullah provided pace and bounce, though he was expensive in the death overs.
Despite their effort, Pakistan’s batting depth proved too much to contain.
Oman’s Chase – A Tough Battle
Chasing 189 against Pakistan’s fearsome attack was always going to be a mountain to climb. Oman’s openers, Jatinder Singh and Kashyap Prajapati, started positively.
Jatinder struck some elegant boundaries, scoring 28 runs off 22 balls, showing confidence against Shaheen Afridi’s pace.
Prajapati supported him with a steady 19, rotating strike and keeping the scoreboard ticking.
However, Pakistan’s bowlers soon took control.
Shaheen Shah Afridi made the first breakthrough with a trademark inswinging yorker.
Haris Rauf brought raw pace and removed Jatinder Singh with a sharp bouncer.
Shadab Khan, introduced in the middle overs, was the game-changer. He picked up two quick wickets, including Oman’s captain Aqib Ilyas, who had started to settle.
At 72/4 in 11 overs, Oman were under immense pressure. Their hopes rested on Zeeshan Maqsood, the experienced campaigner, who tried to rebuild with a fighting 27 off 20 balls. But once he fell to Naseem Shah’s sharp delivery, the chase collapsed.
Despite a small cameo from Ayaan Khan, Oman could only manage 128/9 in 20 overs.
Oman Innings Summary:
Total: 128/9 in 20 overs
Top Scorers: Jatinder Singh (28), Zeeshan Maqsood (27), Aqib Ilyas (21)
Best Bowlers (Pakistan): Shadab Khan (3/22), Shaheen Afridi (2/19), Haris Rauf (2/24)
Pakistan’s Bowling Highlights
Pakistan’s bowlers once again displayed why they are considered one of the most dangerous attacks in world cricket.
Shaheen Afridi struck early with pace and swing, setting the tone.
Shadab Khan dominated the middle overs with guile and control, finishing with 3 wickets.
Haris Rauf rattled batters with raw pace, while Naseem Shah added precision with yorkers and slower balls.
The bowling unit worked in perfect coordination, never allowing Oman to settle into the chase.
Turning Points of the Match
Babar and Rizwan’s Opening Stand: Their 87-run partnership gave Pakistan the platform for a big total.
Fakhar’s Blitz: His rapid 32 ensured Pakistan accelerated in the middle overs.
Shadab’s Double Strike: His quick wickets of Aqib Ilyas and Prajapati broke Oman’s backbone.
Maqsood’s Dismissal: His wicket ended Oman’s hopes of mounting a comeback.
Player of the Match
Babar Azam was awarded the Player of the Match for his elegant 68-run knock that anchored Pakistan’s innings. His ability to play under control while accelerating at the right time made the difference.
Match Result
Pakistan won by 60 runs
Pakistan: 188/5 (20 overs)
Oman: 128/9 (20 overs)
Conclusion
Pakistan’s comprehensive performance highlighted their dominance in the DP World Asia Cup 2025. Their top order fired, the middle order added finishing touches, and the bowlers executed their plans to perfection. The win not only boosted their confidence but also strengthened their position in the tournament.
Oman, on the other hand, showed glimpses of promise. Jatinder Singh’s aggressive start, Bilal Khan’s disciplined bowling, and Zeeshan Maqsood’s fight were positives to take forward. However, the gulf in class was evident, especially when faced with Pakistan’s world-class bowling attack.
The result was another reminder of Pakistan’s strength as a balanced side—capable of scoring big and defending totals with ease. For Oman, the learning experience against such a strong opponent will only help them grow further as a cricketing nation.
Final Scorecard:
Pakistan: 188/5 (20 overs)
Oman: 128/9 (20 overs)
Pakistan won by 60 runs
