The exciting India-Pakistan encounter in the super six of the ongoing World Cup Cricket '99 at Old Trafford on June 8 resulted in a handsome Indian victory, by 47 runs. Now, the chances of India entering the semi-finals have considerably brightened.

Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin won the toss and elected to bat first. India made a modest score of 227 for 6 in the allotted 50 overs.

Pakistan began at a blistering pace, but then lost quick wickets, to fold up at 180 all out in 45.3 overs.

Indian paceman Venkatesh Prasad was adjudged the man of the match with a haul of five wickets for 27 runs.

For India, Sachin Tendulkar came somewhat good with 45 runs and, for once, the skipper also made a well-collected 59. Rahul Dravid made an invaluable 61.

This victory paves the way for India's entry into the semi final stage of the tournament,provided India wins its match against New Zealand on June 12 with a sufficient margin and that two of the three teams (Pakistan, New Zealand and Australia) are stopped at four match points. In other words, the chances of India's entry into the semi finals have considerably improved.

Indian fans will hope that Pakistan's match with Zimbabwe results in the latter's victory so that India is tied with Pakistan on match points.

Indian fans would also hope that New Zealand loses its matches against both South africa and India to stay at 3 match points.

Also, Indian fans would be hoping that Australia loses its upcoming matches to South Africa and Zimbabwe to stay at 2 match points.

If any two of the above three hopes come good, India will be in the semi finals.

India vs Pakistan - Match Commentary & Scorecard

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