What now in Asia Cup 2025? Pak Vs Oman today; Ban Vs SL tomorrow

DUBAI: In what looks like a warm-up for Pakistan before their much-anticipated clash with India, they face off against the debutants Oman in their opening Pak Vs Oman Asia Cup match. Meanwhile, tomorrow Ban Vs SL will be a real test for both the teams, infamous for poor T20I batting.

Pakistan, fresh off a strong showing in the recent tri-series against Afghanistan and UAE, are in impressive form, having defeated the UAE convincingly in their final match. They come into this Asia Cup with high expectations and a lineup brimming with talent, from explosive openers to one of the most formidable bowling attacks in world cricket.

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Pakistan’s focus will likely be on finding the right combination for their upcoming mega encounter against India, with the Oman game providing the perfect opportunity to test their squad. Their bowling plans, especially their mix of wrist spinners like Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed, could be key, given the turn-friendly conditions in Dubai.

On the other hand, Oman, who qualified for the Asia Cup in 2024, come into the tournament with a squad drastically altered due to a recent pay dispute and internal changes. A number of their key players are absent from the squad, making them a tough side to gauge. They have not played a T20I match since February 2025, when they were defeated 3-0 by the USA. Despite their underdog status, Oman will be hoping for a giant-killing performance as they make their Asia Cup debut.

BAN VS SL: A T20 BATTING STRUGGLE

Tomorrow’s clash between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka promises to be an intriguing contest between two teams struggling with long-standing batting woes in T20 cricket. Despite both nations having talented players, their T20I batting has consistently ranked among the worst in the world, and the Asia Cup provides a timely test for both sides to show their improvement.

Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan vs Oman today

Sri Lanka has been slightly more successful in the powerplay in recent months, though they still face major challenges when it comes to accelerating in the middle overs and death overs. Bangladesh, meanwhile, continues to be a team that often fails to reach competitive totals, despite having capable players like Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das. Both teams will be looking to fix these issues in the lead-up to next year’s T20 World Cup, with the UAE offering a neutral ground where they could find some solace in low-scoring conditions.

For Sri Lanka, the pitch at the Premadasa, traditionally slow and spin-friendly, often hampers their ability to play aggressive T20 cricket. There has been some frustration from players, including former captain Wanindu Hasaranga, who has called for more batter-friendly pitches to help unlock their team’s potential. Bangladesh, similarly, has voiced concerns over the Mirpur pitch in Dhaka, preferring conditions that allow for more free-flowing batting.

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The challenge for both teams will be whether they can adjust their strategies for a format that increasingly rewards aggressive cricket. With their lack of success on home pitches reflected in their dismal run rates, both teams need to find a way to perform better away from their familiar grounds. In the UAE, however, the conditions might offer both sides a better chance to express themselves, setting up a crucial contest between two teams at a crossroads in their T20I journey.

Web Desk