India defeated Pakistan by 29 runs in the 2nd semi-final and reached the final of World Cup. Pakistan once again collapsed while chasing a target of 261 runs in the do-or-die match. Bowlers bowled superbly but batsmen could not manage to take the team home. India continued their winnings streak against Pakistan in the world cup matches. Now, India will play against Sri Lanka in the final to be played in Mumbai on April 2. It is the first time; two Asian teams will be fighting for the top prize. Chasing a target of 261 runs, Pakistani openers provided good start but Kamran fell at 44 after scoring 19 runs. Then, Hafeez provided some momentum before falling at 70. He scored 43 runs playing along with Asad. Asad was bowled by Yuvraj at 103 in 23.5 overs. Younis, soon after Asad, fell at 106, putting pressure on Pakistani team. Umar Akmal played excellent innings of 29 runs but his wicket turned the match into India’s favour. Razzaq and Afridi, the two big hitters, failed to pull off the match, losing nerves in the key game. Gul and Wahab, who took 5 wickets today, could not stay at the crease longer. Misbah played brilliant innings of 56 runs. Nehra, Harbhajan, Patel and Yuvraj picked two wickets each. Earlier, India set 260 runs target against Pakistan to win in the match being played at Mohali Stadium. India won the toss and elected to bat first at a flat batting wicket but Wahab Riaz’s 5-wicket haul didn’t allow them to put a huge total. Sehwag provided the much-needed flying start but Wahab magic bowling pushed India into a defensive mode. After Sehwag, he bowled out Kohli and Yuvraj, the two inform batsmen. Hafeez tossed the ball that enticed Gambhir to come forward but he missed and Kamran did the job. Gambhir made 27 off 32 and hit two boundaries in his innings. Bad fielding and dropping of five catches once again allowed Tendulkar to score 85 runs. Raina, at the end, grabbed India to past 250 scores. Pakistani spinners bowled superbly against strong Indian batting. Ajmal picked two wickets while Hafeez took one wicket.
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