Cricket: Aamir guides Pakistan home

AAMIR SOHAIL and Salim Malik snuffed out an Indian middle-order batting revival to lead Pakistan to a 39-run win in the final of the Australasia Cup yesterday. Chasing Pakistan's 250 for 6, India stumbled to 83 for 4 before Vinod Kambli and Atul Bedade combined to give them a chance of victory.

Bedade hit four sixes and a four in making 44 off 45 balls as the pair added 80 but going for another big hit he lofted a catch off Aamir. Kambli's departure 19 runs later, caught off Salim for 56, ended India's hopes.

Pakistan, put in to bat, were given a fine start by Aamir and Saeed Anwar who posted the half-century in 8.3 overs and put on 96 before Saeed was out for 47. Aamir, who reached his half-century from just 52 deliveries, was bowled by Javagal Srinath for 69.

AUSTRALASIA CUP (Sharjah) Final: Pakistan 250 for 6 (50 overs; Aamir Sohail 69, Basit Ali 57); India 211 (47.4 overs; V G Kambli 56). Pakistan beat India by 39 runs.