Sehwag, Raina cut to the chase

The dashing Delhi opener hit his first ton since the 2007 World Cup and forged a 198-run second-wicket partnership with Raina (84) as India cantered to a comprehensive six-wicket win against the arch-rivals in their Asia Cup tie at the National Stadium here on Thursday.

Losing the wicket of Gautam Gambhir (9) early was hardly a deterrent as Sehwag and Raina kept scoring runs at a brisk pace.

After the duo departed, Yuvraj Singh (48) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (26 not out) ensured India achieved the target with almost seven overs to spare.

Malik ends drought

Earlier, Malik ended a 53-ODI century drought to propel Pakistan to an imposing 299 for four and silence critics that included former captain Imran Khan.

He reitred hurt due to cramps but by the time his body gave in to the extremely humid conditions in this port city, Malik’s bat had taken a heavy toll on the Indian bowlers — 70 runs of his 125 come through fours and sixes. The skipper has been opening for Pakistan off and on in recent times, and he had said before the match against Hong Kong that he would again come at the top of order because Pakistan were resting out-of-form wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal.

Early on, Malik appeared to be struggling against RP Singh, who had looked dangerous against the right-handers in the match against Hong Kong with his in-swing.

But Malik weathered the storm, and soon a boundary an over became par for the course for him.

Thanks to his efforts, Pakistan amassed a huge total — just one short of 300 — setting India a difficult target given the conditions, especially under lights. At one stage, however, it had looked like they would get much more.

Younis Khan struck a belligerent 59, and Mohammad Yousuf and Misbah-ul Haq improvised towards the end of the innings but Pakistan managed only 80 off the last 11 overs — not nearly enough considering the platform Malik had given them by the time he succumbed to cramps in the 39th over.