Kumar inspires India victory

India paceman Praveen Kumar ripped through the Pakistan top order to send India on their way to a crushing 140-run victory in their opening match of the Tri-Series against Pakistan.

Half-centuries from Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh had guided India to a formidable 330 for eight and Pakistan's hopes of reeling in that target were effectively ended by Kumar's opening spell.

The 21-year-old claimed the first four wickets of the innings to leave Pakistan 81 for four. Teenage leg-spinner Piyush Chawla then took over, claiming four wickets of his own to wrap up the Pakistan innings for 190 in just 35.4 overs.

Kumar finished with four for 53, while Shoaib Malik was Pakistan's top scorer, contributing 53.

India's victory prevented Pakistan from confirming their place in Saturday's final after they defeated tournament hosts Bangladesh on Sunday.