27 January 2004	Tuesday	04 Zilhaj 1424

BANGALORE, Jan 26: Pakistan will meet arch-rivals India in the final of Asia Cup Under-17 cricket tournament on Tuesday after the two neighbours scored thumping victories in the semifinals.

Pakistan beat Bangladesh by seven wickets in the semifinal at the IAF grounds here. Bangladesh, opting to bat first, were all out for 152 in 44 overs, with Ishraq Sonnet (42) and Mazharuddin (33) being the top scorers.

Pakistan's Nawaz Sardar took three wickets for 15 runs. Pakistan achieved the target in just 31.5 overs. Adnan Raza (60) and Yasir Arafat (28) crafted victory as Pakistan coasted to 154 losing only three wickets.

Nazmul Hussain (1 for 22) and Mohammad Shorawardi (1 for 21) were the wicket takers for Bangladesh. A brilliant unbeaten knock by Ravikant Shukla (96) helped India to score a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in first semifinal held at KSCA grounds.

Sri Lanka, after electing to bat, were all out for 193 in 41.1 overs. Angelo Mathews (56) and S. Parthina (74) were the top scorers for the island nation as the pair boosted the total with a superb fifth wicket partnership of 133 runs.

For India, Umesh Karui (4 for 24), and Shabaaz Nadeem (3 for 45) were the prime wicket takers. India romped home losing just three wickets scoring 194 in 37.4 overs after opener Uday Kaul (43) and A G Pradep (35) gave a good start. Pakistan reached the target in just 31.5 overs.

Summarised scores:

Pakistan beat Bangladesh by seven wickets.

BANGLADESH 152 in 44 overs (Ishraq Sonnet 42l Nawaz Sardar 3-15);

PAKISTAN 154-3 in 31.5 overs (Adnan Raza 60).

India beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets.

SRI LANKA 193 in 41.1 ovs (S. Parthina 74; Umesh Karui 4-24, Shabaaz Nadeem 3-45);

INDIA 194/3 in 37.4 overs (Ravikant Shukla 96 not out, Uday Kaul 43).-Agencies