COLOMBO, 26 July 2004 — All-rounder Shoaib Malik cracked a career-best 143 to power Pakistan to a 59-run win over arch rivals India in their second round Asia Cup match yesterday.
Malik’s second century of the tournament, the fourth of his career, allowed Pakistan to pile on 300 for nine in their 50 overs.
Malik then took two for 42 from 10 overs, despite suffering from leg cramps, as India were restricted to 241 for eight in their 50 overs.
India made a flying start to their run chase, despite the second over loss of Virender Sehwag (one), with Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly adding 62 in 69 balls for the second wicket. But India lost their way in the middle of the innings, slipping from 79 for one to 151 for five, and were forced to concentrate on denying Pakistan a crucial bonus by making sure they scored 240 or more.
Ganguly (39) was bowled behind his pads by Mohammad Sami, Rahul Dravid (five) was trapped lbw, Yuvraj Singh (28) was caught and bowled off Malik and Mohammad Kaif (three) was run out.
With India one batsman short after middle order batsman Vangipurappu Laxman pulled out of the game with a bruised knee, Tendulkar was left marshalling the lower order. The 31-year-old scored 78 from 103 deliveries, hitting six fours and adding 63 runs in 80 balls with Irfan Pathan before top-edging a pull-stroke off Malik. Pathan’s 38 from 75 balls and some last over scampering ensured Pakistan did not pick up a bonus point, which would have severely hampered India’s chances of reaching the final.
India, on seven points, must now beat Sri Lanka tomorrow to reach the final, while Pakistan, on five points, must beat Bangladesh and hope Sri Lanka defeat India. Sri Lanka, who have 12 points after big wins over Bangladesh and Pakistan, are assured of a place in the final on Aug. 1.
Earlier, Malik had counterattacked following the first over loss of Imran Nazir, who was trapped lbw by left-armer Pathan after Pakistan had elected to bat first. The 22-year-old right-hander, dropped on 35 at slip, raced to his fifty off just 41 balls before settling down and cruising to a fourth one-day century from 95 balls.
Malik added 103 with opener Yasir Hameed, 66 with skipper Inzamam ul-Haq and 63 with Yousuf Youhana during a 127-ball knock that included 18 fours and one six.
India’s bowlers struggled to contain a Pakistan top order that bounced back after their humiliating seven-wicket defeat to hosts Sri Lanka, when they were bundled out for just 122.
