Mohammad Haris credits team support after match-winning knock in Asia Cup 2025 opener

Mohammad Haris credits team support after match-winning knock in Asia Cup 2025 opener

DUBAI: Mohammad Haris, the star of Pakistan’s 93-run win against Oman in their opening Asia Cup 2025 fixture, credited the team’s unwavering support for helping him silence critics with a blistering 66-run innings.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Haris expressed gratitude towards the captain Salman Ali Agha, coaches, and senior players who stood by him during a difficult period marked by performance pressure and public scrutiny.

Muhammad Haris Asia Cup 2025 importance

“It is very important for any player and the way they supported me—not only the captain and coach, but all the senior players—I would like to thank them. Because when there is no performance, it’s very difficult for a player to come out of it. There is a lot of criticism, but it’s okay. Let’s take that positively,” Haris said.

He recalled a conversation with captain Salman Agha during the Sharjah final of the recent Tri-Series, where Salman had shown faith in Haris and fellow batter Sahibzada Farhan, indicating they were being prepped for big tournaments like the Asia Cup.

On upcoming India clash and batting role

Looking ahead to Pakistan’s much-anticipated match against India on Sunday, Haris remained composed and grounded. When asked about his intent for the high-octane encounter and frequent changes to his batting position, Haris responded with clarity:

“These are team requirements. Even if they tell me to bat at number 10 in the next match, I am ready. Where the team needs me, I’m available. I have no complaints.”

“As far as India is concerned, this match is over now. Tomorrow we’ll rest well and then we’ll prepare for the 14th, InshaAllah.”

On criticism and team management’s trust

Addressing the criticism he faced recently—including calls to replace him with Sahibzada Farhan as the wicketkeeper—Haris was quick to clarify that the team management never wavered in their support:

“Team management didn’t say anything like that. They always supported me. There was no talk of dropping me for wicketkeeping duties. They’ve always seen me as the wicketkeeper—from the Tri-Series to this Asia Cup.”

He added that the belief instilled in him by the team was what fueled his performance:

“The confidence they gave me—my duty was to deliver. Alhamdulillah, it happened today. And I will continue trying to deliver and uphold their trust.”

On strike-rate debate and team approach

When asked about the omission of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan due to strike-rate concerns, and whether that puts added pressure on players, Haris highlighted the team’s recent performances as proof of their aggressive approach.

“This team has proven itself—we scored 180 in Dhaka where no one else did, 200 in Sharjah and the West Indies, and now 200 in the UAE. The approach remains the same, and this is the direction from our coach and captain.”

Context: Haris’s performance vs Oman

Mohammad Haris scored a match-winning 66 off 43 balls against Oman in Pakistan’s first game of Asia Cup 2025, forming a crucial 85-run partnership with Sahibzada Farhan. The innings silenced critics and reaffirmed his position as a key player in Pa

kistan’s batting lineup heading into the clash against India.