PAK A vs OMAN Highlights ACC T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 | Pakistan Shaheens Claim Victory Over Oman with a Dominant 74 Run Win

In a commanding performance, Pakistan Shaheens secured their first win in the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, overcoming Oman by 74 runs in the seventh match of the tournament. The match, held at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground in Muscat, saw the Shaheens’ impressive batting line-up post a formidable total of 185-5, while Oman faltered in response, managing just 111-7 in their 20 overs.

Shaheens’ Strong Batting Display

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan Shaheens initially faced an early setback, with Oman’s Muzahir Raza striking twice in quick succession. Raza’s fiery opening spell removed openers Mohammad Haris and Yasir Khan, both dismissed for just 3 runs, leaving the Shaheens wobbling at 13-2 inside three overs.

However, Qasim Akram’s crucial knock of 48 off 38 balls stabilized the innings. His pivotal 72-run partnership with Omair Bin Yousuf (25 off 21 balls) for the third wicket brought the Shaheens back on track. Akram’s innings featured three massive sixes and two boundaries, showcasing his ability to take the attack to the bowlers. He was eventually bowled by Samay Shrivastava, falling just short of a half-century, leaving the team at 106-4 in the 14th over.

Rohail Nazir (41 not out) and Arafat Minhas (31 not out) then took charge in the latter half of the innings. Their aggressive 69-run unbeaten partnership for the sixth wicket added valuable runs in the death overs. Rohail’s blistering 41 came off just 20 deliveries, laced with three fours and two towering sixes, while Arafat’s quickfire 31 off 15 balls included two boundaries and two maximums. The duo hammered 38 runs off the last two overs, propelling the Shaheens to 185-5 — the highest team total of the tournament thus far.

Oman Struggle in Chase

Oman’s response began slowly, with the side reaching 34-1 by the end of the powerplay. Qasim Akram, following his batting exploits, contributed with the ball as well, dismissing Aamir Kaleem for 11 to break Oman’s opening stand. The pressure continued to mount on Oman’s batting unit, as they struggled to accelerate. Karan Sonavale and skipper Jatinder Singh fell in quick succession, leaving Oman in dire straits by the halfway stage.

Jatinder Singh’s 24 off 29 balls, which included two fours and a six, was the only notable contribution from the top order. Wasim Ali top-scored for Oman with 28 off 31 balls, but it wasn’t enough as the required run rate kept climbing. The Shaheens’ bowlers kept things tight, with Zaman Khan leading the charge, taking 2-17. He was well-supported by Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran, Shahnawaz Dahani, Qasim Akram, and Sufiyan Moqim, all of whom chipped in with a wicket each. Oman could only manage 111-7 by the end of their 20 overs.

Player of the Match – Rohail Nazir

Rohail Nazir’s explosive batting performance, alongside his leadership behind the stumps, earned him the Player of the Match accolade. His 41-run blitz in the final overs was crucial in ensuring Pakistan Shaheens set a challenging target, while his sharp wicket-keeping kept Oman’s chase in check.

With this comprehensive win, Pakistan Shaheens will look to carry forward their momentum as they prepare to face UAE in their next match on Wednesday, October 23.

Brief Scores:

• Pakistan Shaheens: 185-5 in 20 overs (Qasim Akram 48, Rohail Nazir 41*, Arafat Minhas 31*; Muzahir Raza 2-29)
• Oman: 111-7 in 20 overs (Wasim Ali 28, Jatinder Singh 24; Zaman Khan 2-17)