KARACHI: Shoaib Malik (125) scored his first century as Pakistan captain as the hosts posted a strong 299 for four against India in the ninth Asia Cup cricket tournament at the National stadium here on Thursday.
Malik, who opened the innings with Salman Butt retired hurt with cramps in the 40th over but by that time he had set the platform for Pakistan to post a fighting total after winning the toss.
It was Malik's sixth century, third against India, as he took 104 balls to reach his first century as captain hitting 13 fours and one six. His last hundred had come against India at Lahore in February, 2006.
The young captain put on 90 steady runs with Butt (35) and another 129 runs from 110 balls with Younis Khan (59).
The Indians had a mixed day in the field as Malik was dropped twice in the 39th over bowled by the luckless Yousuf Pathan.
First Piyush Chawla put him down at mid-on on 116 and then Gautam Gambhir dropped a sitter at deep square leg when Malik had moved to 121.
Pakistan clearly came out with a plan to bat steadily in the oppressive heat and pick up the tempo in the final overs, a ploy that clearly paid off. Pakistan scored 80 in last 10 overs losing the wickets of Younis, Mohammad Yousuf, who scored a quickfire 30 from 20 balls with five fours, and Shahid Afridi (9).
Butt, who hit four boundaries and batted solidly against Praveen Kumar, RP Singh and Ishant Sharma, was troubled by leg spinner Chawla who coaxed him into pulling a short ball straight to Suresh Raina at mid-wicket.
Raina also took a spectacular running catch at mid-wicket to dismiss Younis who scored his 34th half century from 53 balls with the help of three fours.
After the initial hesitancy, the Pakistani batsmen milked runs from Chawla who went for 52 runs in seven overs before he was taken off.
