Pakistan Shaheens begin Asia Cup Rising Stars campaign with commanding 40-run win over Oman

Pakistan Shaheens, powered by a stellar all-round display from Maaz Sadaqat, opened their Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a convincing 40-run victory over Oman at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha on Friday.

Left-handed opener Maaz was the standout performer, producing a magnificent unbeaten 96 off 54 balls featuring five fours and nine towering sixes.

 He held the innings together after the early loss of Mohammad Naeem, dominating the Oman bowling attack and ensuring a strong platform for the Shaheens.

Yasir Khan contributed a steady 26, while captain Muhammad Irfan Khan added impetus with a rapid 44 off just 21 deliveries, smashing five sixes.

 In the closing overs, Saad Masood’s unbeaten 19 from six balls lifted Pakistan Shaheens to an imposing 220 for four in their allotted 20 overs. Oman’s bowling unit shared the wickets, with Muzahir Raza proving the most economical, recording figures of one for 27.

Chasing a stiff target of 221, Oman struggled to build momentum despite late resistance from Zikria Islam, who struck a blistering 57 off 28 balls after coming in at number seven.

Muzahir Raza further frustrated Pakistan with an unbeaten 46 from 24 deliveries, laced with four fours and four sixes, but the effort was not enough to turn the tide.

For the Shaheens, pacer Ubaid Shah impressed with three for 29, while Maaz continued his all-round heroics by claiming two for 14.

Leg-spinner Saad Masood also delivered a tidy performance, picking up two for 27 as Oman finished on 180 for nine.

With a strong win to begin their Group B campaign, Pakistan Shaheens now turn their focus to their upcoming matches against India ‘A’ on 16 November and the UAE on 18 November, both scheduled at the same venue.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan beat Oman by 40 runs at West End Park International Cricket Stadium

Pakistan 220-4, 20 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 96 not out, Muhammad Irfan Khan 44, Yasir Khan 26)

Oman 180-9, 20 overs (Zikria Islam 57, Muzahir Raza 46 not out, Hammad Mirza 34; Ubaid Shah 3-29, Maaz Sadaqat 2-14, Saad Masood 2-27)