Pakistan vs Oman Live Updates, Asia Cup: Pakistan opt to put runs on the board, bat first vs Oman in Dubai

Pakistan start off as heavy favourites and will want to ensure that this match against a lowly and struggling Oman feels like a formality, but it never is quite that simple when the lights shine brightest for the men in green. Memories of losing to USA at last year’s T20 World Cup will feel fresh, and that is the sort of upset they will dread subjecting themselves to: too often has this team found itself being almost a laughing stock at the international level, and if they want to return to being a legitimate, consistent threat at the top level, that begins with a display of confidence in this tournament.

Pakistan enjoyed a solid tri-series showing against UAE and Afghanistan in Sharjah to build up to the tournament, and have been playing consistent T20 cricket throughout the year, so will have a fairly concrete idea of what their combinations and their gameplan under coach Mike Hesson will look like. It will need to be the case too: while talent alone will likely allow them to cruise through this match, it is about honing it so that their preparations don’t get undone when up against stronger teams like India. The Super 4s is a goal that would be embarrassing to fall short of, but the way they might be looking at it at this moment is to perform in such a way that allows them to peak when they get to that stage. If they do make the final, there comes the other side of the coin when it comes to Pakistan’s volatility: they are capable of saving their best for last, and will fancy their chances in a pressure cooker situation.

As far as today’s game is concerned, it is about making minimal mistakes, and getting the job done as they head in with a relatively fresh team.

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