KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan beat arch-rivals India by one run in an absolute cracker match of the Under-19 Asia Cup played on Sunday.

Pakistan, batting first in the match posted a total of 287 with excellent contributions from Sami Aslam (121) and Imam-ul-Haq (88). Indian bowling was spearheaded by Rush Kalaria (4-54) and Mohsin Sayyed (2-63).

Pakistan’s opener Sami Aslam, continued his rampant form by scoring a ton for his side. The total of 287 seemed quite challenging but it was equally contested by the Indian players.

Indians commenced their innings normally but were struck by successive blows as two of their wickets fell in quick succession, opener Herwadkar was dismissed at the total score of 36 and Chand was dismissed after one run was added to the total score. This collapse was later exceptionally handled by Vijay Zol (109*) and Unmukt Chand (49). Vijay Zol scored an unbeaten century but was unable to achieve a victory for his nation.

The match turned sour for the Pakistanis within the last 2 overs because of their unbalanced bowling and fielding. The Pakistani bowlers gave away 28 runs and dropped two catches in the last two overs turning the match into a nail biting event that went on till the last delivery. Pakistan won the match eventually by one run, thanks to a dot ball delivered by Mohammad Nawaz.

Pakistan, after this tremendous performance, has almost booked a place within the semi-final of the tournament. The semi-finals would be played on Thursday and Friday, with the final being planned for Sunday.