Wasim Akram’s take on Pakistan’s mini-collapse against Oman in the Asia Cup was equal parts sharp analysis and comic relief, turning a brief batting hiccup into peak entertainment and theatre.
Pakistan Start Asia Cup with Convincing Win but Batting Worries Remain
Salman Ali Agha’s Pakistan got off to an emphatic start in the 2025 Asia Cup, thrashing Oman by 93 runs in the Group A encounter at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday. Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted 160 runs, with Mohammad Haris top-scoring with 66. However, the innings had its hiccups—Saim Ayub was dismissed for a duck in the opening over before Sahibzada Farhan and Haris steadied the innings with an 85-run partnership.
Pakistan’s momentum faltered after Farhan’s wicket (29), triggering a mini-collapse as the team slid from 89/1 to 102/4 in just 12 balls. Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram did not hold back in his critique, joking that he went for a quick bite and returned to find three more wickets down.
Akram’s remarks underscore the areas Pakistan must improve, particularly if they are to challenge India in the upcoming clash.
What about Fakhar Zaman?
Mohammad Haris was promoted up the order against Oman, and he justified the move by scoring 66 off 43 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. However, his promotion resulted in Fakhar Zaman being pushed down to No. 4, raising questions about the team’s balance.
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram supported Haris at No. 3 but highlighted the challenges Fakhar faces batting in the middle order. “I am all for having Mohammad Haris at No.3, but then what about Fakhar Zaman, who has opened all his life? He gets shifted to No.4. This is the struggle you will have when you have 5-6 openers in your playing XI,” Akram said.
On the bowling front, Pakistan relied on just one frontline pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, against Oman. It remains to be seen whether head coach Mike Hesson will include Haris Rauf for the high-stakes clash against arch-rival India on Sunday, September 14.
