June 13, 2008	Friday	Jamadi-us-Sani 08, 1429

LAHORE, June 12: Malaysia beat Pakistan 30-5 in their Asian Five-nations Division-II Rugby match at the Army Stadium Bangkok on Thursday, according to the information received here.

In a match which was played under wet conditions, fourth seeded Pakistan failed to convert their significant share of ball possession but showed solid improvement in attack. The start was slow and the wet conditions made ball handling difficult. Pakistan players missed at least three tries in the first half, which Malaysia led 22-0.

Pakistan defence exhibited an improved performance in the second half and managed to plug the gaps. They conceded only one more unconverted try, while scoring themselves in the 76th minute through Sahir Riaz before finally going down 30-5.

Pakistan will play their second match against India on Saturday.

Earlier, Thailand beat India in a thriller 27-12. It was a tighter affair as India’s beefy pack asserting itself at the set piece while Thailand’s pacy backline proved a constant threat and was key to their 27-12 half time lead.

After the break India redoubled their efforts and scored 10 points to a solitary Thai penalty goal to bring the score to 27-22 with 25 minutes to play.

Both sides attacked with venom and defended with gusto before some Indian indiscipline allowed Thailand a final crucial penalty chance, which was well converted to bring the final score to 30-22 in favour of a delighted Thai side.

Meanwhile, top seeds Malaysia will also play the hosts, second-ranked Thailand in the final of the tournament on the same day.

The two sides have won through their opening matches against Pakistan and India to reach the final. The winners will go on to play in the Division-1 of the HSBC Asian Five Nations next year.