Mohammad Haris has responded to the growing discussion around Pakistan’s strike rate in T20 cricket after head coach Mike Hesson emphasised its importance in team selection. On Friday, September 12, Pakistan kicked off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a thumping 93-run victory over Oman at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The focus, however, remained on Hesson’s bold call to leave out senior stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, citing the need for faster scoring options in the middle order. Mohammad Haris, who owns Pakistan’s second-fastest T20I century, backed his teammates’ approach, highlighting their recent success in varied conditions.
“This team has already proved itself. We went to Dhaka and scored 180, something no other side has managed in Mirpur. We hit 180 in the West Indies and even reached 200 in Sharjah. Pakistan hadn’t touched 200 in the UAE before, but we did it,” Mohammad Haris said after the win.
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The 23-year-old right-hander, who had endured a lean patch with the bat, returned to form in emphatic style against Oman. Batting at No. 3, Haris hammered 66 off 43 deliveries, including seven fours and three sixes, to claim the Player of the Match award. His knock guided Pakistan to 160 for seven before their bowlers bundled Oman out for just 67 in 16.4 overs.
Haris also underlined that Pakistan’s batting philosophy remains consistent. “The team’s approach will stay the same. That’s the suggestion and direction coming straight from the coach and the captain,” he added.
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The victory lifted Pakistan to second place in the points table with a net run rate of +4.650, positioning them strongly ahead of their blockbuster Asia Cup clash against Suryakumar Yadav’s India on Sunday, September 14, in Dubai. With confidence restored, Pakistan will hope their aggressive template delivers again in the high-pressure contest.
