India snatch unlikely victory as Pakistan suffer a late collapse

CRICKET: Pakistan collapsed from 144 for six to 157 all out as India snatched victory in the final one-day international to …

CRICKET:Pakistan collapsed from 144 for six to 157 all out as India snatched victory in the final one-day international to avoid a series sweep against their rivals.

Pakistan appeared set to complete the whitewash after bowling India out for 167 in Delhi and then getting solid contributions from Misbah-ul-Haq and Nasir Jamshed to close in on their target. Jamshed kept his cool to make 34 before being trapped lbw. Misbah helped the score along to 113 before departing for 39, caught by Ajinkya Rahane off Ashwin.

Pakistan endured a brief wobble, leaving the tourists on 125 for six. Mohammad Hafeez and Umar Gul steadied the ship and looked to have them in a winning position with a little over 10 overs to go, but when Gul fell for 11, it prompted a late collapse, with Saeed Ajmal following six balls later for one and Junaid Khan run out without scoring.

With seven balls left and Pakistan still 11 shy of their target, Hafeez was caught by Yuvraj Singh at short mid-wicket to give Ishant Sharma his third wicket and wrap up the victory for India.

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Earlier, Ajmal had dominated proceedings, taking five for 24 as the hosts were dismissed in 43.4 overs, Dhoni top-scoring with 36.