Younis Khan helps Pakistan into second round with easy win

COLOMBO (Reuters) - Younis Khan hit a career-best 144 as Pakistan cruised to an emphatic 173-run win over Hong Kong on Sunday and confirmed their place in the second round of the Asian Cup.

Pakistan's top order gorged themselves on Hong Kong's inexperienced bowlers, piling on 343 for five, the highest total in Asian Cup history, surpassing Pakistan's 320 for 3 against Bangladesh at Dhaka in 1999-00.

Khan top scored with 144 from 122 balls, his first one-day international hundred which included eight fours and three sixes.

All rounder Shoaib Malik supported him with 118 from 110 balls, hitting 10 fours and two sixes to post the largest of his three ODI centuries.

Pakistan, who defeated Bangladesh on Saturday by 76 runs, then bowled out Hong Kong for 165 in 44.1 overs after they were set a revised target of 339 in 47 overs because of rain.

Malik followed his batting display by mopping up the tail with his off breaks to finish with four for 19 from 9.1 overs.

Imran Farhat also shone with the ball, claiming three for 10 with his leg breaks, while fast bowler Mohammad Sami rediscovered his bowling rhythm, taking two for 16.

Pakistan will now play their next game against either Sri Lanka or India under lights at Premadasa International Stadium on Wednesday.

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