The Asia Cup 2025 is heating up, and as Pakistan enters their Group A clash with Oman, they are on a high, riding a wave of momentum after their big 75-run victory over Afghanistan just a few days earlier in the Tri-Series final. Their confidence is high, the squad looks balanced, and their bowling attack in particular is firing! With qualification on the line, Pakistan will look to field their best XI and carry their winning streak into the next stage! Let’s review who could be in the playing XI against Oman, and why.
Openers

Pakistan’s top order has been an amalgamation of firepower and volatility. Saim Ayub showed some signs of timing in the final when going for 17 off 19; however, he will need to convert starts to make big scores for Pakistan to generate the required momentum in the powerplay. Bail cannot only hit boundaries but also demonstrate his ability to find gaps early on and rotate the strike, which reflects the mindset Pakistan is looking for in the first 6 overs. Fakhar Zaman looks likely to keep his spot after hitting 27 off 26 in the final.
Middle Order

The middle order is dependent on the leadership of skipper Salman Agha and the thrilling young Hasan Nawaz. In the final, Salman Agha played a responsible innings, where he was 24 off 27, as the wickets fell in moments, steadying the innings in the face of adversity. Pakistan will need his composure in the trenches, as well as his capability to kick on later. As for Hasan Nawaz, he was just sensational with his explosive 15 off eight balls. This fearless exuberance brings flair and unpredictability, which can shake the opposition during the middle overs of batting.
All-Rounders

Few players can justify the term “game changer” more than Mohammad Nawaz. In the encounter against Afghanistan, Nawaz gave the match performance itself, not just with his handy 25 off 21 with the bat, but with a 5-wicket haul that completely dismantled the Afghan middle order. Nawaz’s ability to swing momentum in both innings may render him unable to drop. Informed, all-rounder Faheem Ashraf also contributed with 15 off 8 balls in the final. Faheem’s balance and depth to Pakistan under pressure with lower-order hitting and the ability to take wickets.
Bowlers

Pakistan has an attack that is full of confidence – and two automatic names. Shaheen Shah Afridi will always be the first choice – the head of the attack, and will be looking to strike with the new ball, as he did when he had Rahmanullah Gurbaz out for a duck. With the combination of fierce pace and swing, coupled with the ability to take wickets in big matches, we can safely say he is Pakistan’s main strike bowler.
The other option for Pakistan is Abrar Ahmed, who took 2 for 17 in the final. His cast of mystery spin adds an aura of uncertainty for the batter. Hopefully, along with Nawaz, he provides more depth for Pakistan’s spinners. Both will be instrumental in taking control from the opening ball against Oman.
FAQs
1: Who are expected to open for Pakistan against Oman?
Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman are likely to open the innings.
2: Which middle-order batters can anchor Pakistan’s innings?
Salman Agha and Hasan Nawaz are key stabilizers in the middle order.
3: Who is Pakistan’s most impactful all-rounder currently?
Mohammad Nawaz, with both bat and ball, is Pakistan’s top all-rounder.
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