Pakistan’s 2025 Asia Cup campaign kicks off this evening in Dubai, where the two-time champions face Oman in what promises to be a historic encounter. For Oman, it’s more than just another fixture—it’s their first-ever appearance in the Asia Cup at the senior international level.
A First-Time Meeting at the Highest Stage
While Pakistan’s “A” side has previously crossed paths with Oman, the senior national teams have never shared a field. That makes tonight’s clash at the Dubai International Stadium an occasion to remember for both sets of players, albeit for very different reasons.
Pakistan enter as outright favourites. The Men in Green arrive on the back of a tri-nation series win against Afghanistan and the UAE, while Oman are struggling to find their footing, having lost five consecutive matches leading up to the tournament.
Eyes on India, But Focus Required on Oman
With Sunday’s much-anticipated showdown against India looming large, Pakistan will be eager to avoid slipping into complacency. A convincing victory tonight not only builds momentum but also helps chip away at India’s commanding Net Run Rate in Group A—a key factor if qualification comes down to margins.
For Oman, the task is steep. Yet, tournaments like these often throw up unexpected storylines. A spirited showing, even in defeat, could set a foundation for their future in Asian cricket’s premier competition.
Where to Watch the Game
Kickoff time: 7:30 PM (PST)
- In Pakistan: PTV Sports will air the match live on cable. Online viewers can stream via Tamasha or Myco apps.
- In India: Sony Sports Network and the Sony Liv platform.
- Sri Lanka: Sirasa TV and TV-1, with streaming on Dialog ViU.
- Bangladesh: Gazi TV, with Toffee and Tapmad available online.
- USA: Willow TV.
- Australia: Kayo Sports and Foxtel.
- UAE & MENA: CricLife channels, plus StarzPlay.
- UK: TNT Sports via Sky, BT, EE, and Virgin Media, with digital streaming on discovery+.
- Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport on TV and digital.
For those who prefer a communal viewing experience, ProSports will host a live watch-along starting at 7:15 PM.
What’s at Stake
This opener is less about the contest’s unpredictability and more about tone-setting. For Pakistan, anything less than a dominant display could raise doubts ahead of the India clash. For Oman, every over is a chance to prove they belong on this stage.
When the first ball is bowled tonight, Pakistan will be aiming to stamp their authority, while Oman look to script the first chapter of their Asia Cup story.
