Shoaib hit the highest score in Pakistan's innings

Pakistan hit the highest score of the tournament to book a spot in the final of the triangular series in Dambulla.

They will face New Zealand in the decider on Friday after beating the same opponent by 22 runs.

Three wickets to Shoaib Akhtar and Danish Kaneria saw the Black Caps bowled out in the 49th over, condemning hosts Sri Lanka to an early exit from the tournament.

Pakistan made two changes, giving a debut to batsman Yasir Hameed and recalling leg-spinner Kaneria.

Shoaib Malik's excellent 74, made off just 72 deliveries, gave Pakistan an excellent platform batting first.

Malik's score was particularly praiseworthy given that it came within the context of what has been a low-scoring tournament.

The next highest score was just 26, made by the experienced Younis Khan at number five. Overall, Pakistan did well to recover from 10-2 in the fourth over.

TRIANGULAR SERIES TABLE New Zealand P4 W2 L2 BP2 Pts13 RR0.27 Pakistan P4 W2 L2 BP1 Pts12 RR0.07 Sri Lanka P4 W2 L2 BP0 Pts11 RR-0.33

And Hameed (25) put on a crucial 47 for the third wicket with Yousuf Youhana (17).

New Zealand's reply got off to a decent start with skipper Stephen Fleming and Chris Nevin taking the score along to 36 after 10 overs.

But Fleming's dismissal, quickly followed by Lou Vincent's, put them under pressure.

Scott Styris shared in meaningful partnerships with Nevin (28), Chris Cairns (28) and Chris Harris (24) to get the innings back on track.

But when Harris departed in the 44th over with 44 runs still needed, the Kiwis were forced to put their wickets at risk.

Three wickets for three runs - including Styris for an admirable 46 - snuffed out any hopes of a successful chase, setting up a replay in the decider on Friday.

Pakistan: Rashid Latif (capt), Taufeeq Umar, Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Yousuf Youhana, Yasir Hameed, Shoaib Malik, Abdul Razzaq, Danish Kaneria, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami.

Umpires: Daryl Harper and Peter Manuel

Third umpire: Gamini Silva