KARACHI, July 2: Hosts Pakistan faced a tough run chase in the ‘must-win’ ninth Asia Cup Super Four match after India reached a formidable 308 for seven at the National Stadium with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni leading from the front with a responsible innings of 76 here on Wednesday.

Dhoni’s 96-ball knock swung the pendulum India’s way as he shared a fifth-wicket century stand of 112 with Rohit Sharma, who contributed 58 off 71 deliveries after Pakistan took the field without their dehydrated skipper Shoaib Malik.

Malik, who had made himself available for the do-or-die match when the playing XI was finalised by the selectors on Tuesday evening, was ruled out after he collapsed with exhaustion just six minutes into a fitness test.

Vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq was thus installed as Pakistan’s 24th captain in One-day Internationals, but inauspiciously lost the toss when Dhoni called correctly and announced that India would bat first.

Malik’s misfortune allowed young left-handed opener Nasir Jamshed to make his first appearance in the Asia Cup in one of three changes to the side that was outplayed by Sri Lanka on Sunday. Paceman Abdur Rauf earned his second ODI cap while Saeed Ajmal, the off-spinner, made his international debut at the age of 30.

Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag put Pakistan on the back foot at the start as Sohail Tanvir’s opening three overs were carted around for 31 runs. However, the home team hit back with three quick strikes within the space of 10 deliveries after the Indian openers had put on 88 in 63 deliveries.

Gambhir (35 off 32 balls, four fours) failed to clear the field when he went down the track to play Rao Iftikhar and scooped the ball in the air to Shahid Afridi in the covers. Rauf then struck twice in the next over to justify his selection.

Sehwag’s bright innings of 49 (33 balls, six fours and two pulled onside sixes) ended when umpire Tony Hill sought TV replays official Akhtaruddin Shaheen’s assistance to confirm wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed had cleanly taken a low catch. Suresh Raina had first failure of the tournament when he top-edged a pull to Salman Butt, stationed at deep midwicket.

Yuvraj Singh looked in fine nick — and reached 6,000 ODI runs in his 207th match — while struck four boundaries and a six when he was sent back to the pavilion for 37 (32 balls) spectacularly; young Sarfraz flying to his right to hold a great catch in former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif’s style.

But Dhoni and Sharma stabilised the Indian innings at that crucial juncture and remained together for just over 23 overs. Sharma holed out to Rauf deep on the onside in Rao Iftikhar’s last over after stroking four boundaries in his innings.

Dhoni, who needed 47 balls to strike his first boundary, then watched Yusuf Pathan — batting for the first time in the tournament — depart for no score as he skied a high catch to Nasir Jamshed, giving Saeed his maiden international wicket.

Dhoni, who slammed four fours during his stay, went in the penultimate over when he scooped a full toss from Sohail in the air; Sarfraz, running towards square-leg, did well to cling on to the catch despite colliding with the rushing Misbah.

All-round Irfan Pathan, back in action for his 99th ODI appearance after missing the tournament’s previous games because of a side strain, ensured India sail past the 300-mark with undefeated 38 off 25 balls (four fours).

Rao was best of Pakistan bowlers with three for 51, the hardworking Rauf claimed two for 66, but Sohail was wayward throughout. Afridi and Saeed played key roles in preventing India from setting Pakistan an unattainable target.

India’s XI showed four changes from the team that beat Bangladesh last Saturday while keeping in mind the importance of Thursday’s fixture against defending champions Sri Lanka, who have already book their place in Sunday’s final.

Apart from Irfan Pathan, Sehwag, Piyush Chawla and Praveen Kumar also returned. The quartet replaced R.P. Singh, Robin Uthappa, Manpreet Gony and Pragyan Ojha.

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