Man-of-the-match Dhoni hit 63 and his deputy Yuvraj 58 in a 105-run fourth wicket partnership to lift India to 242 for five in 47 overs. Their spinners had helped restrict Pakistan to 239 for seven on a slow pitch.

In-form Mohammad Yousuf struck a classy 83 not out and opener Salman Butt hit 50 to raise Pakistani victory hopes, only to be let down by poor bowling and sloppy fielding.

Indian left-handers Saurav Ganguly (39) and Gautam Gambhir put on 82 runs for the second wicket before the aggressive Dhoni, who promoted himself to number four and Yuvraj took over.