Pakistan Shaheens launched their Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Oman by 40 runs at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium on Friday. The victory was built on a superb all-round performance from left-handed opener Maaz Sadaqat, who produced a match-winning 96* and followed it up with two wickets.
Batting first, the Shaheens recovered from an early setback to post a formidable 220 for four in 20 overs. Maaz was the cornerstone of the innings, smashing 96 off 54 balls*, decorated with five fours and nine towering sixes. He was supported by Yasir Khan’s steady 26 before captain Muhammad Irfan Khan lifted the scoring rate with a blistering 44 off 21 balls, featuring five sixes.
In the closing overs, Saad Masood’s quickfire 19 off six deliveries* pushed the Shaheens past the 220 mark. Oman’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Muzahir Raza delivering the most economical spell (1-27).
Chasing 221, Oman faltered early and never recovered despite a strong lower-order fightback. Zikria Islam provided resistance with a spirited 57 off 28 balls, while Muzahir Raza added an unbeaten 46 off 24, but the asking rate remained out of reach.
For Pakistan, Ubaid Shah impressed with 3-29, while Maaz continued his dominance with 2-14, and Saad Masood contributed with 2-27. Oman eventually finished at 180 for nine, handing Shaheens a comfortable victory.
The win gives Pakistan a solid start in Group B ahead of key fixtures against India ‘A’ on 16 November and UAE on 18 November, both scheduled at the same venue.
Scores in brief
Pakistan Shaheens beat Oman by 40 runs — West End Park International Cricket Stadium, Doha
Pakistan Shaheens 220-4, 20 overs
(Maaz Sadaqat 96*, Muhammad Irfan Khan 44, Yasir Khan 26)
Oman 180-9, 20 overs
(Zikria Islam 57, Muzahir Raza 46*, Hammad Mirza 34; Ubaid Shah 3-29, Maaz Sadaqat 2-14, Saad Masood 2-27)
Player of the Match: Maaz Sadaqat (Pakistan Shaheens)
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