Latif spurs Pakistan to crushing win over China

Captain hits first ton of Asian Games cricket as favorites cruise into semis.

KARACHI: Khalid Latif hit a swashbuckling century to guide his team into the semi-finals of the men’s cricket event at the Asian Games with a 128-run win over hosts China in Guangzhou.

Latif smashed an unbeaten 103, the first century at the Asian Games, as Pakistan compiled 183. The captain hit eight fours and five sixes while Sharjeel Khan played a valuable knock of 46.

The hosts lost quick wickets to be restricted to 55 for nine. Raza Hassan and Aizaz Cheema were the crux of Pakistan’s bowling attack while Li Jian (14) was the only batsman from the losing side to reach double figures.

Pakistan will now take on Afghanistan on November 25.

Flying start in kabaddi

Second-seed Pakistan defeated Malaysia comfortably in their first match of the competition. The winners dominated the match from the beginning and face China today.

Mixed fortunes in squash

Pakistan experienced mixed fortunes in the squash team events where the contingent’s men claimed double victories while the women’s team lost both matches.

Led by Aamir Atlas, who previously won silver in the individual event, Pakistan first defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 as Farhan Mehboob, Yasir Butt and Danish Atlas won their respective matches, followed by a 2-1 defeat of Kuwait.

The women’s team lost to Hong Kong and India with a score-line of 3-0 in both matches of the day.

Azher starts campaign today

Azher Hussain will start his campaign in the Asian Games today in the 55-kilogramme men’s free-style wrestling event. Azher has been dubbed as the main hope for Pakistan in the individual category events.

Uphill task for Greenshirts

Pakistan take on South Korea today for a place in the final of the hockey event and are optimistic as they face the tough rivals. “Korea is a tough team but they are not invincible. We can beat them provided we play our best game,” Pakistan team manager Khawaja Junaid told The Express Tribune. “We are playing every match like a final and will give our best in the semi-final also. It doesn’t depend on any individual as it’s all about team effort.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 23^rd, 2010.