Fakhar Zaman's Formry Oman Challenge, No Haris Rauf?

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-09-11 12:00:53 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-11 14:34:15

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Pakistan's Asia Cup Tactics Focus on the Sultan's Trail. Will Salman Ali Agha's Men in Green find the right balance without Haris Rauf on Friday?

Oman's cricketing tale is a remarkable one: from underdog, to underdog, to the cusp of cricketing history as they debut as hosts of the Asia Cup. It's a fitting reward for an ambitious nation, and a stern test for Pakistan, their first opponent.

Salman Ali Agha will have to manage that test without their quickest bowler, Haris Rauf, who is reportedly resting after a knee injury. The Pakistan bowling attack looks thin without him, but their lineup may provide a surprise or two.

Fakhar Zaman, whose angular, athletic presence has been missed of late, has played plenty of cricket in Oman, and will be counted on to provide a stable start, with his racing between the wickets and power hitting. The real question, though, is who joins him at the crease: the veteran Imam-ul-Haq, or the promising Mohammad Hurraira.

The pitch is thought to favor bowlers, with captains opting for a cautious approach. But if the Pakistan top order can steady themselves against the swinging ball, they may find themselves in a position to unleash their bruising middle order. All eyes will be on the Asia Cup opener to see what sort of gameplan Pakistan can produce against the Omanis' own brand of cricket: cautious but not fearful.

Go!