Asia Cup Cricket - @ Sri Lanka

SINGH MASTER

Harbhajan Blitz Helps India Down Pakistan In

Cliffhanger And Move Into Asia Cup Final

 Dambulla: It doesn't get better than this! As expected, the India-Pakistan encounter here on Saturday turned out to be a cracker of a match. Pakistan were dismissed for 267 in the last over of their innings but the target was not easy, given that India were chasing under the floodlights. India held their nerve to score a dramatic three wicket win, Harbhajan Singh tonking Mohammad Aamer for a six off the pernultimate ball of their innings to settle the issue.

     India now have nine points from two matches and will play Sri lanka in the final on June 24 while Pakistan have been knocked ut after two consecutive losses.

    For India, opener Gautam Gambhir top-scored with a gritty 83 while his skipper MS Dhoni hit a patient 56 (off 71 balls) to keep the team on target. The finishing touches were given by Suresh Raina and Harbhajan. Raina came in to bat at a time when India still needed 60 runs from 52 balls. He made 34 (27 balls, 2x4, 2x6), before getting run out but Harbhajan stayed till the end to take the team home.

    India needed 7 runs from the last over and 3 runs off last two balls, Harbhajan smashed the fifth ball over midwicket and celebrated like he often does, like a gladiator. Shoiab Akhtar was not amused but Harbhajan must be thrilled as he not only shared a match-winning 43-run partnership with Raina for the seventh wicket but also bagged two crucial wickets.

    The foundation of the Indian innings was laid by the 98 run third wicket stand between Gambhir and Dhoni. In between, the momentum shifted towards Pakistan when Dhoni was bowled by Shoaib Malik. But Raina displayed great courage to stand up and be counted and when Harbhajan struck Akhtar for a six in the 47th over, India were right back in the game. Then, another six off Raina's blade in the 49th over almost sealed the issue.

    Earlier, Gambhir was pumped up for the big match but lost his concertration after a heated exchange of words with Pakistani wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal. India's win showed how effective Dhoni is when he bats higher up the order. He reached his fifty with a six from a free-hit off Akhtar and was in complete control of the situation from the word go. Virender Sehwag was not in his elements-he struggled with his hamstring and also against the raw pace of Akhtar.

      Earlier, Pakistan elected to bat on a pitch that was just about perfect for batting. zopener Salman Butt, who was castled by an incoming delivery from Lasith Malinga in the previous match, played a crucial knock on Saturday, He was ably supported by Imran Farhat (25), as the two got involved in a 71 run stand.