Thursday, July 3, 2008

Pak got their most needed Win

Pakistan 309-2 (45.3 overs) beat India 308-7 (50 overs) by eight wickets.

An unbeaten 123 from Younus Khan helped Pakistan to an eight-wicket win over India in the Asia Cup Super Fours. The former captain hit 11 fours and a six in his 117-ball innings as Pakistan easily overhauled India's total of 308-7 with 19 balls left in Karachi.

Younus shared a 144-run stand with stand-in skipper Misbah-ul-Haq (70 not out), who won the match with a four.

Skipper Mahendra Dhoni (76) lead the way for India, sharing a 112-run partnership with Rohit Sharma (58).

However, Pakistan's hopes of reaching the final hinge on defending champions Sri Lanka - who have already qualified - beating India on Thursday.

The hosts will also need to beat Bangladesh on Friday to reach the final on 6 July.

Younus's innings was his first one-day century in Pakistan, passing the 5,000-run mark as he smashed 11 fours and one six in his match-winning knock. "When he plays like this we usually win," said skipper Misbah, standing in for the dehydrated Shoaib Malik.

India had begun forcefully with Virender Sehwag's pulsating 49 from just 33 balls, along with powerful knocks from Gautam Gambhir (35) and Yuvraj Singh (37). But the visitors kept losing wickets at regular intervals until Dhoni's stand with Sharma stabilised the innings. Irfan Pathan helped India's total to over 300 with a quick-fire 38 from 25 balls, with fast bowler Rao Ifktihar the pick of the Pakistan bowlers with 3-51.

The home side began confidently with Salman Butt (36) and Nasir Jamshed (53), who was forced to retire hurt with cramp. Mohammad Yousuf's departure for 20 brought Misbah to the crease, who alongside Younus finished the game off in style.

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