Younis blitz helps Pakistan vanquish India

KARACHI (AFP) - Younis Khan hit a magnificent century as Pakistan achieved a much needed eight-wicket win against India in the Asia Cup Super League match at the National Stadium here on Wednesday.

Younis boosted Pakistan’s quest with an unbeaten knock of 123 off 117 balls to help his side overhaul India’s total of 308-7 for their fifth successful run chase in one-day internationals, the fourth against their arch-rivals.

The win helped Pakistan stay in the tournament and leaves them hoping that India lose to Sri Lanka on Thursday. The hosts would then seek to beat Bangladesh on Friday.

India, on four points from two matches with one win and two carry over points from the first round, need a win Thursday to reach the July 6 final.

Titleholders Sri Lanka have already qualified for the final with wins over Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Younus, declared man-of-the-match, shared a crucial unbroken 144-run stand for the third wicket with stand-in captain Misbah-ul-Haq who hit seven boundaries and a six in his unbeaten 62-ball 70.

Misbah hit paceman Praveen Kumar for a boundary to bring victory with 4.3 overs to spare.

The 30-year-old Younis hit Kumar for his ninth boundary to reach his fifth one-day hundred off 99 balls.