COLOMBO: India pulled off a thrilling three-wicket win over Pakistan with a ball to spare at the four-nation Asia Cup in Dambulla on Saturday.

The victory means India will now meet hosts Sri Lanka in Thursday`s final.

Chasing Pakistan`s 267 all out, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni`s team scraped home in the final over after Harbhajan Singh hoisted Mohammad Aamer for a mid-wicket six.

The run chase was spearheaded by opener Gautam Gambhir who constructed a watchful 83 off 97 balls to take the man of the match award.

Gambhir and Dhoni (56) shared a 98-run partnership for the third wicket.

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opener Salman Butt top-scored with 74 in 85 deliveries before the innings received a late boost when wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal slammed three sixes and two fours in a 41-ball 51.

On Friday, Sri Lanka crushed Bangladesh by 126 runs.

BDST: 1137hrs, June 20, 2010
SA