India beat Pakistan, both enter U-15 final

Karachi, July 5: India defeated Pakistan by 33 runs in a match of academic interest in the Asia Cup Under-15 cricket tournament at Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

Both the teams qualified for July 9 final.

Batting first, Indian teenagers slumped to 79 for five before reaching 181 for seven from the allotted 40 overs. An unbeaten 52 by wicketkeeper-batsman Abhinav Kumar, who starred in a 83-run sixth wicket partnership with N.Chaudhary (28) was the feature of the innings.

In reply Pakistan could manage only 148 for 9. Brief scores: India 181-7 in 40 overs Pakistan: 148-9 in 40 overs on Tuesday, Pakistan beat Bangladesh team by seven wickets in its fourth pool match.

After being put in to bat first, the Bangladesh could score 131 for the loss of eight wickets in the stipulated 40 overs. Mahmoodullah top-scored with 39 consuming 48 balls and hitting two fours. Anwar Hosain scored 15. Pakistan's paceman Talal Zia and Muhammad Azhar Ali took three wickets, each.

Pakistan won the match by scoring 132 for the loss of three wickets in 26.1 overs. Opener Syed Sibtain Raza remained not out at 44, consuming 81 balls and hitting four boundaries. The other opener Shahid Yousuf also scored 44 but on 39 deliveries and hit one six and four fours. Mahmood Asim Butt scored 15.

Mahmoodullah (Bangladesh) was declared the Man-of-the-Match.