GUANGZHOU, Nov 22 Pakistan captain Khalid Latif smashed the first century of the Asian Games cricket tournament on Monday as the favourites crushed China by 128 runs to reach the semi-finals.

The 24-year-old opener hit an unbeaten 103 in 69 balls which featured eight fours and five sixes as Pakistan made 183-1 off their 20 overs with Sharieel Khan making 46.

It was China's second successive defeat in the tournament, having lost to Malaysia by 89 runs, and ended their brief, first flirtation with international cricket.

China never recovered from their precarious position of 11-4 when they started their reply while five of their batsmen were bowled as they failed to cope with Pakistan pace and direction.

Only Li Jian reached double figures, making 14 with three confident fours.

Raza Hassan took 3-10 while Aizaz Cheema finished with figures of 3-15 for Pakistan.

Latif said he hoped success at the Games would help resurrect his international career with the 2011 World Cup starting in South Asia in February.

“I wasn't expecting this. I played well in domestic matches and now here with the national team,” said the skipper, who has played in five one-day and five Twenty20 matches.

China captain Wang Lei described Pakistan as a “champion” team.

“We did our best, but we really need time. That will enable us to get better in cricket. Hopefully, we will have more opportunities to play against top teams,” said Wang.—AFP

Our Sports Reporter adds from Guangzhou Javed Miandad, also Pakistan's cricket ambassador to China, said that Pakistan should ensure the cricket gold.

Minadad in his brief media statement said “To ensure a gold medal Pakistan team has to show a passion and successful run against Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Though both are strong teams but performance of our team is far better,” remarked Miandad.

He added “I am here on the request of the Chinese government.”

He said that China was for the first time testing its mettle in the game of cricket.

Regarding the performance of the Chinese cricket team, which lost its second consecutive match earlier against Malaysia, Miandad said “The newly developed cricket stadium is a good start for the future of cricket in China.”

“It will take some time for the Chinese cricket team to settle in the game but they ultimately will,” he asserted.

Pakistan will now play its semi-final on Thursday against either Afghanistan or Bangladesh.

Summarised scores
Quarter-final

Pakistan won by 128 runs.

PAKISTAN 183-1 (Khalid Latif 103 not out, Sharieel Khan 46); CHINA 55-9 (Raza Hassan 3-10, Aizaz Cheema 3-15).

Pool 'D'

Nepal won by 75 runs.

NEPAL 129-9 (Binod Bhandari 29); MALDIVES 54-8 (Rahul Vishwakarama 3-9).