India, Maldives in final showdown

Defending champions India saw off Pakistan's challenge 3-1 in their semi-final while Maldives produced their best performance so far to defeat Nepal 3-0 in their last four tie at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka.

It will be a rematch between the two teams on Saturday, with India having beaten Maldives 2-0 in their Group B clash earlier in the tournament.

After a tight first half, India took the lead three minutes into the restart with Manvir Singh scoring with a right footed shot into the bottom left corner.

Boosted by the goal, India pressed forward and Manvir Singh doubled their lead in the 69th minute when he rifled the ball into the top right corner of the Pakistan goalmouth.

Sumit Passi headed home India's third in the 84th minute before Hassan Bashir scored a consolation for Pakistan two minutes from full time.