Pakistan ride on Younus

2 July 2008

Younus Khan's unbeaten 123 gives Pakistan hope of a final spot © Getty Images

An unbeaten century from Younus Khan and an unbeaten 70 from Misbah-ul-Haq helped Pakistan to a crucial eight-wicket victory over India in a Super Four match of the Asia Cup.

Younus (123) built on a flying start provided by openers Nasir Jamshed (53) and Salman Butt (36) as Pakistan made light work of a target of 309, easing to victory with six overs to spare.

The victory kept Pakistan in contention for a slot in the final, although their progress still hinges on Sri Lanka beating India on Thursday.

The Indian innings got off to an impressive start with openers Gautam Ghambir (35) and Virender Sehwag (49) flaying Pakistan's attack. But wickets fell in a hurry as Iftikhar Anjum (3-51) and Abdur Rauf picked two wickets in quick succession.

It was left to Mahendra Singh Dhoni (76) and Rohit Sharma (58) to resurrect the innings. They pieced together a 112-run partnership for the fifth wicket, while 38 off 25 balls from Irfan Pathan helped India to 308 for seven.

That total proved inadequate as 18-year-old Jamshed and Butt put on a brisk 65 for Pakistan’s opening wicket. Butt was then the victim of a dreadful mix-up, but his departure hardly stemmed the flow of runs.

Much as he did against the same opposition in the final of the tri-series in Bangladesh, Younus scythed through the Indian attack, powering to a century – his fifth in ODIs – off 99 deliveries.

He added 56 runs for the second wicket with Jamshed, before the youngster retired hurt due to cramps.

Pakistan had lost the services of regular skipper Shoaib Malik due to dehydration before the start of the game and Jamshed's departure provided a ray of hope for India.

However, Younus and stand in skipper Misbah helped Pakistan eclipse the target with some ease.