Asia Cup: Wasim Akram slams Pakistan's batting despite victory over Oman, jokes “Went for bite, came back and..." before India clash

Salman Ali Agha’s Pakistan began their 2025 Asia Cup campaign on a dominant note, defeating Oman by 93 runs in a Group A clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday. Opting to bat first, Pakistan put up 160 runs, with Mohammad Haris leading the charge with a brilliant 66.

The innings, however, was far from flawless. Pakistan lost Saim Ayub for a duck in the very first over, before Sahibzada Farhan and Haris stitched together an 85-run partnership for the second wicket. Haris took control with an aggressive knock, but Pakistan struggled to maintain momentum. Farhan’s dismissal for 29 triggered a sudden collapse, as the side slipped from 89/1 to 102/4 within 12 deliveries.

Former skipper Wasim Akram was critical of Pakistan’s batting display. “When you haven't seen the bowlers before, you can take one or two balls and then go after the bowling. But they recovered well after that with the partnership between Sahibzada Farhan and Mohammad Haris,” Akram said on Sony Sports. He added jokingly, “Soon, I went for a quick bite, and when I came back, they were 3 wickets down (laughs).”

Haris, promoted up the order, justified the move with his 66 off 43 balls, laced with seven fours and three sixes. His elevation, however, pushed Fakhar Zaman down to No.4.

Pakistan fielded just one frontline pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, against Oman. With the much-anticipated clash against India looming on Sunday, September 14, it remains to be seen if the team brings in Haris Rauf to strengthen the pace attack.