By our correspondent
KARACHI: A smart fifty by Mohammad Haris and spinners superb bowling led Pakistan to a comprehensive 93-run win over Oman in their Asia Cup opener at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Friday evening.
Chasing 161 to win, Oman, who are playing their first Asia Cup, were bowled out for just 67 in 16.4 overs. Hammad Mirza (27, 23b, 3x4s, 1×6), Aamir Kaleem (13, 11b, 1×4, 1×6) and Shakeel Ahmed (10, 23b, 1×6) were the only batters to reach double figures.
The spin quartet of Abrar Ahmed (1-12), Mohammad Nawaz (1-13), Saim Ayub (2-8) and Sufyan Moqim (2-7) managed to get six wickets, while Faheem Ashraf bagged two wickets for six runs.
Earlier, after opting to bat first, Pakistan scored 160 for seven in their 20 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, coming to bat at number three, top-scored with a 43-ball 66, smashing seven fours and three sixes. He knitted a 85-run partnership for the second wicket with Sahibzada Farhan (29, 29b, 1×4).
Fakhar Zaman, batting at number four, returned undefeated on 23 off 16 balls, hitting two fours.
For Oman, Aamir Kaleem and Shah Faisal bagged three wickets each.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan beat Oman by 93 runs
Pakistan 160-7, 20 overs (Mohammad Haris 66, Sahibzada Farhan 29, Fakhar Zaman 23 not out; Aamir Kaleem 3-31, Shah Faisal 3-34)
Oman 67 all out, 16.4 overs (Hammad Mirza 27; Faheem Ashraf 2-6, Sufyan Moqim 2-7, Saim Ayub 2-8
Player of the match – Mohammad Haris
