Iceland Cricket is known for its humorous banter with the best cricket teams and players, usually disturbing the cricketing establishment as they split their sides laughing. On Friday, September 12, their social media post grabbed attention once again, before Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 Group A game against Oman at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan, a side with two Asia Cup titles and both T20 and ODI World Cup triumphs, was surprisingly handed the ‘underdog’ tag by Iceland Cricket. The quirky remark caught the eyes of fans almost instantly, creating a buzz before the highly anticipated encounter.

“We will always support the underdog in cricket, and that is why we are fully behind Pakistan when taking on Oman today,” Iceland Cricket posted on their official ‘X’ account, leaving fans amused. The comment quickly spread across cricket circles, sparking plenty of laughter and reactions online.

Pakistan Outclass Oman With Haris’ Heroics

Despite the humorous tag, Pakistan proved their strength on the field by defeating Oman by 93 runs to register their first win of the tournament. Skipper Salman Ali Agha elected to bat first, but the start wasn’t ideal, as Saim Ayub was dismissed first ball and Sahibzada Farhan made a run-a-ball 29. However, Mohammad Haris turned the tide with a blistering 66 off 43 balls, striking seven fours and three sixes. Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Nawaz also chipped in with handy cameos, while Oman’s Shah Faisal and Aamir Kaleem picked up three wickets each.

See Also: WATCH: Shubman Gill names toughest bowler he has faced amid Asia Cup 2025

In the chase, Oman faltered as only Hammad Mirza offered some resistance. Jatinder Singh’s troops folded to 67 all out in just 16.4 overs with Ayub, Faheem Ashraf, and Sufiyan Muqeem taking two wickets each. There was no denying that Haris was deservedly Player of the Match for his match-winning score that took Pakistan to a comprehensive victory.

In Match 4 of the Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan elected to bat first, after winning the toss, and scored 160/7 in 20 overs, thanks mainly to Mohammad Haris’s contribution of 66 runs off 43 balls. When it came Oman’s turn to bat, they fell apart as they were bowled out for 67 in 16.4 overs and Pakistan won by 93 runs. The bowlers kept it tight with their lines and the fielders providing support helped choke Oman completely. Pakistan began their Asia Cup campaign in style with a strong statement to the tournament. Below are the main reasons for Oman defeat.

1. Pakistan’s imposing total backed by Mohammad Haris’s innings

Pakistan posted a strong 160/7 after being pegged back early. Mohammad Haris played a swashbuckling innings with 66 runs off 43 balls with seven fours and three sixes, anchoring the chase after the team lost early wickets and giving them a platform Oman couldn't match.

2. Oman’s batting collapse under relentless pressure

Once set a target of 161, Oman collapsed and lost wickets in lots. They were bowled out for 67 in 16.4 overs. Pakistan bowlers Sufiyan Muqeem (2/7), Faheem Ashraf (2/6), Saim Ayub (2/8), took advantage of the pressure, while the Oman batters flattered to deceive.

See Also: [WATCH] PAK vs OMA, Asia Cup 2025: Golden Duck for Saim Ayub, Oman stunned Pakistan early

3. Effective spells and momentum-swinging breakthroughs

Pakistan's bowlers showed discipline and aggression. Muqeem was able to remove important batsmen with clever spin early, then Ashraf and Ayub took incisive lower-order wickets. Oman never adapted to their early wickets which turned into run-outs and half-chances, which changed the momentum completely. Because of their lower-order collapse, they gave up all hope.

Superb catch by Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha. Diving left, with great reflexes, he took an absolute blinder at first slip during their first Asia Cup 2025 match against Oman on Friday at Dubai International Stadium. 

Oman surprised every cricket fan when they dismissed Saim Ayub for a golden duck in the first over of the first innings. During the middle overs, 43-year-old Aamir Kaleem was on the verge of taking a hat-trick. Overall, Oman did well with their bowling part. But they struggled against Pakistan's quality bowling. Failing to create a significant partnership while chasing a target of 161 in 20 overs, their batting lineup collapsed like a house of cards. Ahead of the India match on September 14, Pakistan registered a much-needed win with a dominating bowling performance. Agha used six bowlers against Oman, and each bowler proved effective. 

Agha failed to impress with the bat as he went to the dugout with a golden duck after falling short against Oman veteran Aamir Kaleem. But during the run defense, he reacted in an accurate way. With a diving effort he confirmed the dismissal of Oman's best batter of the night. 

Read More: [WATCH] PAK vs OMA, Asia Cup 2025: Golden Duck for Saim Ayub, Oman stunned Pakistan early

Salman Ali Agha at slip took an outdated catch:

Hammad Mirza was the only batter who was looking confident against the Pakistani bowling attack. When one after another Oman batters came and went, Mirza somehow was able to stick on a side of the track. Against 23 deliveries, he scored 27, powered by 3 boundaries and one over boundary. Sufiyan Muqeem delivered a googly full and around off, almost out of reach of the batter. Mirza went down for a sweep shot, but in the end, he produced a top edge towards the first slip, where Agha was waiting for his moment to shine. With quick reflexes, he dived left and grabbed the ball cleanly. 

Pakistan, batting first, scored 160 runs in 20 overs against 7 wickets. Mohammad Haris played a timely 66-run knock to guide his team towards a competitive total. Unlike the bowling, Oman found no match in front of Pakistan's bowling performance. Pakistan won the match by 93 runs, as Oman lost all ten wickets in 16.4 overs for only 67 runs. 

Absolute madness from 43-year-old Oman cricket team all-rounder Aamir Kaleem. He was on the verge of striking a hat trick as he took back-to-back two wickets during the Pakistan vs Oman Asia Cup 2025 match. 

On a hard track at Dubai International Stadium, Oman emerged as a surprising bowling unit against Pakistan in the first innings of the match. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha decided to bat first after winning the toss. Pakistan lost their first wicket in the very first over of the match. A straight ball from pacer Faisal Shah drew first blood of the evening. After losing opener Saim Ayub, Pakistan tried to get some solidity in their batting. Mohammad Haris, with his 66 off 43, was able to put his team on track for a while. In exchange for a couple of wickets, Pakistan crossed the 100-run mark. 

At the moment when the Men in Green looked confident, Aamir Kaleem showed his mettle. The Karachi-born, who moved to Oman, got two wickets in two balls during the 13th over. At the age of 43, using all his experiences, Kaleem dragged Oman right back in the match. 

Read More: Asia Cup 2025, PAK vs OMA, Match 4: Pakistan vs Oman Toss update and Playing XI

Back-to-back 2 wickets for Aamir Kaleem:

On the fifth delivery of the 13th over, the spinner helped Oman to get rid of well-set Mohammad Haris. Observing the batter's stance, the veteran cricketer kept the ball fuller and down the leg. Haris had an intention to apply a reverse sweep but got only an inside edge. He found himself in an awkward position when the ball hit the deck. With an inside edge, the ball rolled back and hit the middle stump after clipping his back pad.

In the following delivery, Kaleem picked up the wicket of Pakistan skipper Agha. Agha went back to the hut with a golden duck. A full toss around the middle stump was enough to dismiss him. Agha chose to swipe it across but was not able to make a proper connection. Hammad Mirza at deep midwicket took a comfortable catch. 

Watch 2 wickets in 2 balls here

2️⃣ in 2️⃣ for Aamir Kaleem 🤩

Mohammad Haris gone, skipper Agha Salman follows 🚶

Watch #PAKvOMAN, LIVE NOW on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 [Asia Cup] pic.twitter.com/RkqEPPgsOV

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 12, 2025

Oman got the exact start they were looking for in the 4th match of the Asia Cup 2025 against Pakistan (Pakistan vs Oman). With the first wicket in the very first over of the match, Oman stunned Pakistan. Golden duck for Pakistan opener Saim Ayub.

Ayub went to play an ambitious shot and missed a straight ball from Faisal Shah. In front of the stumps, on his knees, left-handed Ayub swung his blade but missed the ball completely. The field umpire declared it out. After a chat with his opening partner, Sahibzada Farhan decided to go for a review. The third umpire only had to check whether there was an inside edge. Pakistan lost their first wicket with only 4 runs on the board. Holding the line of the delivery straight, Faisal Shah delivered a fuller, around-the-middle. The ball kept perhaps a little bit low and missed every part of the bat. 

The 23-year-old Saim Ayub has been struggling with his form from the last few matches. Against the United Arab Emirates, on August 30, 2025, he scored 69 runs; after that, it was only disappointing for him. The Pakistan cricket team is now going through a transition phase, where they kept experienced players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan outside of the T20I team to make space for young batters.

Read More: Pakistan captain's stellar batting performance ends 22-year long wait amid Asia Cup 2025

Saim Ayub dismissed without scoring a single run vs Oman

Ayub is one of the talents the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) showed trust in. In 42 T20I matches of the Green Brigade, the southpaw managed to score 816 runs in total at an average of 21.47. His highest T20I knock, an unbeaten 98, came last year against South Africa.

The recent form of the batter can force the Pakistan team management to rethink their strategy, as their next Asia Cup match will be against archrival India, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 24. 

Watch the LBW here

💥 Golden Duck! Saim Ayub trapped plumb LBW, Pakistan lose review early!#AsiaCup2025 #Pakistan #Oman #starzplay pic.twitter.com/cJ74GBVZ7q

— Cricket on STARZPLAY (@starzplaymasala) September 12, 2025

Pakistan and Oman lock horns for the 4th match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium. Ahead of the India match, it is a must-win match for Pakistan. They played some good cricket in the recent past and are one of the favorites to reach the final phase of the tournament. It is a prestige fight for Oman, as they have nothing to lose; they will try to put in all their cards. 

Toss Update:

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, keeping an eye on the surface, decided to bat first after winning the toss.Initially, the fresh wicket of Dubai International Stadium, where the India vs. UAE Asia Cup 2025 match took place, looks harder.There can be some bounce on the wicket, and in the first innings, with the shining new ball, pacers can get some movement as well. In the second innings, chances of getting movement with the ball can reduce gradually, which can make batters score runs easily on the pitch. The Pakistan cricket team is well aware of the surface, so they did not hesitate to take the bat first. 

Agha, the Pakistan skipper, said, "The surface looks good. Our plan is to score as many runs as possible. Our team has been playing good cricket over the last 2-3 months, with the group really coming together, and we want to carry that momentum forward.'

Read More: SA T20 league ropes in their first ever Bangladeshi cricketer

Oman cricket team captain Jatinder Singh mentioned, "We would have batted first as well." He marked today's match historic for them, as they are set to face an Asian giant like Pakistan, as it is like playing in the World Cup. 

Playing XIs:

Oman—Jatinder Singh (C), Aamir Kaleem, Hammad Mirza, Vinayak Shukla (WK), Hassnain Shah, Mohammad Nadeem, Faisal Shah, Zikriya Islam, Sufyan Mehmood, Shakeel Ahmed, Samay Shrivastava.

Pakistan—Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (C), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed.

Expect a thrilling contest as Pakistan meets Oman in Group A's match 4 of the Asia Cup 2025. Both countries will be looking to start with a bang in their opening match, with Pakistan wanting to build off of their recent win and Oman wanting to make their presence known in this competition in their first-ever Asia Cup match.

Pakistan is coming off of a win in the UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025, with a well-rounded team with match-winners in both their batting and bowling departments. Oman, meanwhile, is looking to pit themselves against the past-established sides and show that they are on a rise in international cricket now that they are playing in an Asia Cup for the first time. This will be a significant fixture for both sides.

PAK vs OMA: Head-to-Head Records

Since this will be the first T20I between Pakistan and Oman, both teams will have no prior records against one another in this format.

PAK vs OMA: Stadium Stats 

The Dubai International Stadium is known for providing balanced contests and is often known to favor chasing sides under lights. With lower average scores when compared to other stadiums, teams batting second usually have the advantage.

• Matches Played: 69
• Win Bat First: 39%
• Win Bowl First: 59%
• Average 1st Innings Score: 140
• Average 2nd Innings Score: 130
• Highest Total: 212/2 by India vs Afghanistan
• Lowest Total: 55/10 by West Indies vs England
• Highest Successful Chase: 184/8 by Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
• Lowest Total Defended: 135/6 by Canada vs Netherlands

See Also: Top 3 reasons why Hong Kong lost to Bangladesh in the Asia Cup 2025 match 3

PAK vs OMA: Predicted Playing XIs

Pakistan (PAK): Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Agha Salman, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Oman (OMA): Jatinder Singh (c), Aamir Kaleem, Hammad Mirza, Mohammed Nadeem, Ashish Odedara, Vinayak Shukla, Aryan Bisht, Sufyan Mehmood, Samay Shrivastava, Shakeel Ahmad, Hassnain Shah

Asia Cup 2025: Points Table

After the completion of three matches, one from Group A and two from B, the points table stands as follows:

Group A

Group B

PAK vs OMA Match Preview

Pakistan's campaign in the Asia Cup 2025 will begin in the fourth game, against Oman. The Pakistanis just won the UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025 and appear to be in terrific form. They will seek to capitalize on their momentum and collect their first points. Oman comes into this event after a streak of dismal performances and needs to play well to win. Pakistan has performed well in recent games. The team has only lost once in its last six games. They've spent the last few weeks in the UAE, getting a greater knowledge of the environment. They plan to take advantage of all of this. As a result, Oman has lost the last six T20i matches and will be under pressure. It'll be intriguing to see how they can surprise Pakistanis. 

PAK vs OMA Match Details 

Pakistan vs Oman – 4th Match, Asia Cup 2025

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Date & Time: 12th September 2025 at 08:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

PAK vs OMA Venue Stats 

PAK vs OMA Pitch Report

The pitch has become more bat-friendly, with the ball coming onto the bat nicely. It is a difficult venue for fast bowlers because there is nothing on the playing field. Spinners have found success at this venue because the ball turns sharply.

PAK vs OMA Weather Report

Based on the forecast, the humidity will increase gradually throughout the evening. Clear skies and temperatures above 25 degrees throughout.

PAK vs OMA Last Five Matches

PAK vs OMA Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: PAK vs OMA Dream11 Prediction 4th Match

PAK vs OMA Probable Playing XIs:

Oman Probable Playing XIs

Jatinder Singh (c), Aamir Kaleem, Hammad Mirza, Vinayak Shukla (wk), Sufyan Mehmood, Shakeel Ahmed, Mohammad Imran, Samay Shrivastava, Ashish Odedara, Mohammad Nadeem, Hassnain Shah

Pakistan Probable Playing XIs

Salman Agha (c), Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Topmost Picks for PAK vs OMA Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Pakistan

• Salman Ali Agha – Salman Ali Agha is the leading run scorer in 2025, with an average of 33.76. He has scored 39 fours and 15 sixes.
• Mohammad Nawaz – Mohammad Nawaz is Pakistan's highest wicket-taker this year, with 20 wickets in 11 matches with an economy of 6.47.

Top Picks – Oman

• Jatinder Singh – Jatinder Singh has scored 1399 runs in 62 matches with an average of 24.54 and a strike rate of 118.55. In 2025, he has played three T20 matches and scored 136 runs with an average of 45.33 and a strike rate of 147.82.
• Aamir Kaleem – Aamir Kaleem is Oman's best wicket-taker, with 41 wickets in 44 matches at an economy rate of 7.47.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for PAK vs OMA Dream11 Team:

Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Jatinder Singh, Saim Ayub(C), Mohammad Nadeem, Aamir Kaleem, Salman Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi(VC), Haris Rauf, Mohammad Imran

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman

Vice-captain – Shaheen Afridi, Jatinder Singh

Wicketkeeper – Sahibzada Farhan

PAK vs OMA Probable Winners:

In this game, Oman will be under pressure. They don't have a good record against their high-ranked opponent and have a young bowling lineup. The team will rely on good performances from key players to put Pakistan under strain. Pakistan has gained momentum in recent weeks thanks to strong performances. They have a powerful batting lineup, providing them with an advantage. Considering the team combination, Pakistan is expected to win this match.