India crash out of Under-19 World Cup

New Zealand:

Defending champions India crumbled under pressure in the battle of sub-continental rivals as Pakistan sent them packing with a two-wicket triumph in a thrilling rain-hit Super League quarterfinal of the ICC Under-19 cricket World Cup on Saturday.

Pakistan opted to bowl first in the match, which became a 23-overs-a-side affair due to overnight rain, and skittled out India for a paltry 114 for nine.

In reply, Pakistan huffed and puffed their way to the target in 22.3 overs thanks to some valuable late order contributions to keep their unbeaten run at the event intact. The Pakistani top order collapsed and the team score read 16 for three in just under seven overs.

However, Ahsan Ali brought them back into the match with a 45-ball 30 before being run out by Jaydev Unadkat. Wickets tumbled at regular intervals but Pakistan kept themselves in the hunt with some brisk scoring.

Rameez Aziz (28) and Hammad Azam (21 not out) turned out to be the heroes for Pakistan as they found the boundaries and sixes when it mattered the most in a cliffhanger of a match. Azam hit Sandeep Sharma for a massive six in the 20th over to reduce the runs-required and balls-available margin.

Needing 12 off 16 balls, Azam ensured a Pakistani victory with a couple of fours and some swift running between the wickets even as wickets fell around him.