Winning the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Agha chose to bat, but the innings began poorly. Youngster Saim Ayub was trapped first ball by Shah Faisal, leaving Pakistan reeling at 0 for 1. Mohammad Haris and Sahibzada Farhan responded with composure, combining for a vital 84-run partnership that steadied the innings and set the tone for a big total.
Haris, in particular, was fluent. Playing with controlled aggression, he brought up his maiden T20I fifty in 32 deliveries. He struck seven fours and three sixes in his 66-run knock, keeping Pakistan on track at 85 for 1 after 10 overs. But the middle phase belonged to Oman’s Aamir Kaleem, whose clever variations flipped the contest.
Kaleem first removed Farhan for 29 before dismissing Haris in his very next over, just as Pakistan looked set for acceleration. He struck again with the crucial wicket of Salman Agha, who miscued a lofted shot to fall cheaply. The double blow halted Pakistan’s momentum, and when Hasan Nawaz was dismissed for nine, the innings lost steam.
Shah Faisal returned to compound Pakistan’s woes, removing Mohammad Nawaz to finish with three wickets alongside Kaleem. Left-arm spinner Shakeel Ahmed was the most economical, conceding just 17 runs in his four overs and applying the squeeze during the death overs.
Fakhar Zaman’s unbeaten 23 provided some late runs, but Pakistan never truly recovered from losing Haris and Farhan in quick succession. Their innings closed at 160 for 7 — a total that appeared competitive but far from imposing on Dubai’s batting-friendly surface.
Kaleem (3 for 31) and Faisal (3 for 34) shared six wickets, ensuring Oman walked off with confidence ahead of the chase. Pakistan, meanwhile, will count on their strong bowling attack to salvage the contest.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 160/7 in 20 overs (Mohammad Haris 66, Sahibzada Farhan 29; Aamir Kaleem 3-31, Shah Faisal 3-34).
