Ton-up Latif leads Pakistan to mauling of China

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

The 24-year-old opener on Monday hit an unbeaten 103 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.