The eagerly anticipated contest turned into a low-scoring affair after the high-flying Indians were shot out for 169 in 47.3 overs. Pakistan survived a jittery start before costing to 171-5 with more than five overs to spare, thanks to an unbroken 88-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Tariq Mahmood (45) and Fawad Alam (43).

Pakistan, looking for their first title triumph in the juvenile competition, will take on either England or West Indies in the March 5 final at the same venue.

India won the toss of the day-night match, but the fireworks never came after their run-machine Shikhar Dhawan departed for just eight. The charges of Robin Singh eventually crawled to a modest score with Sunny Singh contributing highest 25, followed by Solanki and Sharma, who both made 21, against a varied Pakistan attack.

Riaz Afridi, the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, took two more scalps to improve his tally to 18 from seven matches. Ali Imran, who got the prized wicket of Dhawan, also finished with 2-38. Dhawan, who started the day on 497 runs, crossed the 500-mark before he miscued an attempted pull to Pakistan captain Khalid Latif.

Meanwhile, Australia booked their place in the Plate final with a 49-run win against Ireland at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong. The Australians posted an imposing 340-5 and the brave Irish boys responded gallantly with 291.

Australia will now play the March 4 final against the winners of the second semifinal between Scotland and hosts Bangladesh.