India eves beat Pak to enter final in Asia cup

Jaipur, Dec 19 (UNI) Sunetra Paranjpe's fine half-century (52) and Rumeli Dhar (42) helped defending champion India overwhelm arch rival Pakistan by 103 runs in the Women Asia Cup Cricket Champioship at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium here today.

It was the fourth consecutive victory of host team in the championship and it will now take on their traditional rival Sri Lanka in the final on December 21.

India won the toss and elected to bat first, scoring 244 runs in 50 overs. Sunetra Paranjpe made a brilliant half-century with 52 runs studded with 10 fours. She added 83 runs for the opening wicket with S Naik (21) to give a solid start before Rumeli Dhar (42), Trish Kamini (34) and Anjum Chopra (30 not out) chipped in with useful contributions for Pakistan.

Sana Mir was the main destroyer, snapping three wickets for 37. Sabahat Rasheed pocketed two wickets for 38 while Sajda Shah chipped in with one wicket.

In reply, Pakistan managed to score 141 runs for 8 wickets in their stipulated 50 overs. Captain Urooj Mumtaz Khan was the top scorer with 33 runs followed by Sana Jawaid's 23.

Nousheen Al Khadeer scalped two wickets for 25 runs while Sunetra Paranjpe, Priti Dimri, Trish Kamini and Devika claimed one wicket each for India. Rajeshwari Goyal was chosen player of the match.

Host India earned five points including one bonus point.

Brief Score - India - 244 runs for 7 wickets in 50 overs.

Pakistan - 141 runs for 8 wickets in 50 overs.

UNI MY SAM HT1800