Mohali, March 30
India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan here tonight to storm into the final of the cricket World Cup in a high-voltage match watched by the Prime Ministers of the two countries and millions of passionate fans across the world.

The 29-run victory, which enabled India to maintain its unbeaten record against the arch rivals in 36 years of World Cup history, was the result of some brilliant bowling and fielding show by the home side after its much-vaunted batting line-up had posted a modest 260 for nine to which man-of-the match Sachin Tendulkar made a lucky 85-run contribution.

India now meet Sri Lanka in the final in Mumbai on Saturday in a bid to win the coveted Cup for the second time since it first stunned the cricketing world by beating West Indies in 1983 at the Lords.

Electing to bat after winning the toss, India could manage only 260 for nine, largely due to brilliant bowling by fast medium bowler Wahab Riaz who took 5 for 46.