KARACHI, Sept 19: A hurricane century by Shahid Afridi propelled Pakistan to an imposing 316 for six in their 50 overs against India in the fourth match of the Sahara Cup at the Curling and Skating Club in Toronto, Canada.

Afridi blasted a 94-ball 109 which was his first century since his record shattering 102 against Sri Lanka at Kenya two years ago and only the second in 65 one-day internationals.

Useful contributions from Aamir Sohail (46), Inzamamul Haq (78) and Salim Malik (39) kept Pakistan on course for piling up the highest score in 15 matches of the Sahara Cup since 1996. The previous best score was also by Pakistan when they had scored 266 for eight in the first edition of the series.

Afridi was in terrific form as he hammered half a dozen sixes and seven boundaries. He was particularly severe on ever-economical Saurav Ganguly whom he hit for four sixes in as many overs. Ganguly finished with the figures of none for 62 off five overs.

Afridi raced to his half century from 52 balls with six fours and a six. His next 50 runs came off only 36 balls and included four sixes and a four.

Together with skipper Aamir Sohail, Afridi put on 141 runs for the second wicket after Saeed Anwar lost his leg stump to Ajit Agarkar in the fourth over.

Sohail notched up his best score of 46 in Toronto from 74 balls with two boundaries but looked upset when he was adjudged caught behind off Sunil Joshi, the most economical Indian spinner who gave away 36 runs from his 10 overs.

Inzamamul Haq continued the good job of Afridi and Sohail by hitting two sixes and seven boundaries in his 75-ball 78. Inzamam, who completed his second half century in succession, was dropped when 16 by Mohammad Azharuddin.

Pakistan most of the time maintained a rate of six an over. They were 147 for one by the halfway time and reached 241 for three after 40 overs. Off the last 10 overs, Pakistan collected 75 runs for the loss of three wickets.