India on Wednesday eased past arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1 to storm into the final of the SAFF Suzuki Cup at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 


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After a lacklustre first-half, Manvir Singh converted Ashique Kuruniyan's low cross to put India on the lead. Singh continued his good form as he doubled India’s lead with a stunner from the edge of the box. 


Sumeet Passi, who had substituted Manvir, netted a precise header off Kuruniyan’s brilliant run down the flank in the 83rd minute as India took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the penultimate clash.  


India, however, were reduced to 10-men after midfielder Lallianzuala Chhangte was red carded for a rough challenge on Pakistani defender Mohsin Ali in the 86’ minute. Mohsin was also sent-off for the challenge. 


Pakistan, who returned to International football after three years,  grabbed a consolation goal after Hassan Bashir scored in the 88th minute as India conceded their first-ever goal in the tournament. 


Defending champions India will meet Maldives in the title clash on Saturday. Maldives had advanced to the final after dominating Nepal 3-0 in the first semifinal.