COLOMBO - Arch-rivals India and Pakistan stayed on course for a highly-awaited Super Eights clash in the World Twenty20 with contrasting wins yesterday.
India demolished defending champions England by 90 runs in a group A match in Colombo after Pakistan had pipped New Zealand by 13 runs in group D in Pallekele.
Both India and Pakistan are almost certain to be drawn in the same Super Eights group, with a match between the Asian giants scheduled to be played in Colombo on September 30.
India are already assured of a place in the Super Eights, while Pakistan take on Bangladesh in their last league match on Tuesday needing a win to advance.
Harbhajan Singh grabbed 4-12 on his return after a year in the wilderness as a new-look India outplayed England in front of 20,000 spectators at the Premadasa stadium in Colombo.
Rohit Sharma hit an unbeaten 55 off 33 balls as India scored 4-170 before England were shot out for their lowest T20 total of 80 in 14.4 overs.
India rested seamer Zaheer Khan, spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and opener Virender Sehwag for the match that held only academic interest since both teams had already made it to the Super Eights.
Harbhajan, 32, who had been out of favour with the selectors since August last year before being recalled for the World Twenty20, claimed a wicket off his second delivery when he came on in the sixth over.
When his spell finished in the 12th over, England had slumped to 8-60 and lost their ninth wicket also at the same total.