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Karachi, Oct 18: Pakistan defeated the Asian XI by 78 runs in an exhibition match which marked the opening of the National Stadium floodlights.

Salim Elahi stroked 104 and an unbeaten 71 by Inzamam-ul-Haq steered Pakistan to 270 for three from the allotted 45 overs. The Asian Eleven were dismissed for 192 in 38 overs. Shahid Afridi top scored with 88 while Javed Miandad scored 25 not out.

Foreign guests Aravinda de Silva and Arjuna Ranatunga didn't appear in the game and so did Imran Khan who didn't turn up. Roshan Mahanama, former Sri Lankan opener, played for the Asian XI scoring 11.

Vikram Solanki and Mark Alleyne, the touring Englishmen, also played for Asian XI scoring 11 and 3 respectively.

The match, organized to celebrate 25 years of cricket magazine Akhbar-i-Watan, may be an exhibition one, but the overwhelming turn out of the spectators confirmed that next week's one-day international will be full house.

The spectators thoroughly enjoyed the match by chanting and raising slogans. It was just a great feeling to see the families coming with their children and spending a great time.

The arrangements, including the law and order, were orderly as the spectators faced no difficulty in reaching to their assigned seats.

A much needed facility has been created at Karachi and the credit for it goes to chairman of the PCB Lt Gen Tauqir Zia. The PCB has also installed floodlights at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium which makes three Pakistan stadia equipped to hold games under lights.

© Dawn