Pakistan book place in showpiece under-15 final

Pakistan ended England's interest in the Costcutter U15 World Challenge by winning their semi-final at Chelmsford by 58 runs.

In search of 191 for a place in Thursday's showpiece final at Lord's England lost bost openers inside the first 8 overs. Nottinghamshire's Samit Patel compiled a stylish 48 but when he fell in the 29th over his side were marooned still 100 short of their victory target with only 4 wickets left.

There was still time of the sizeable crowd to witness an astonishing phenomena as Pakistan's ambidextrous bowled Muhammed Naeem demonstrated that he could bowl with both arms. During the course of the same over he bowled left arm around the wicket to the right-handed Nick Swetman and then right arm over the wicket to the left-handed Tom New.

A partnership of 32 for the 7th wicket threatened to give England an outside chance in the last ten overs but then three suicidal run-outs effectively ended their hopes.

Earlier England kept a tight grip on the Pakistan run-rate with only 41 being scored in the opening 15 overs, although an injury to Muhammed Fahim hampered his progress. He batted with a runner from the fourth over until his departure 17 overs later.

Shahid Yousaf top-scored with 42 before being needlessly run out following a mix-up with partner Zulqarnain, who went on to hit 36. A late flurry from Naeem lifted the total to 188-7 by the start of the final over but then Nick Swetman took 3 wickets in four deliveries to finish with 4-39 and dismiss Pakistan two balls short of their full allocation for a total of 190.

Ultimately that proved too many for England and in the final Pakistan will face the winners of Tuesday's other semi-final between the West Indies and South Africa at Hove.