Press Trust of India

LAHORE, Feb 13: Mahendra Singh Dhoni slammed a swashbuckling unbeaten 72 as India showed great character and self-belief to script a sensational five-wicket victory and take a 2-1 lead in the five-match one-day series here on Monday.

Chasing a stiff target of 289, Sachin Tendulkar laid the platform with a classy 95 before Dhoni took centre stage with his audacious stroke play to take India home with 14 balls to spare in a thrilling encounter under lights at the Gaddafi stadium.

Dhoni's 46-ball knock and his 102-run association for the sixth wicket with Yuvraj Singh (79 not out) turned the tide for India, who were in a spot of bother at 190 for five at one stage and needed more than seven runs an over.

The Indian dressing room erupted in joy as Dhoni hooked Abdul Razzak to the boundary to give India the winning runs, proving that they had the batting depth to chase huge totals.

The visitors finished on 292 for five in 47.4 overs to overhaul Pakistan's total which was built on a sparkling 120-ball 108 by Shoaib Malik.

Musharraf's pat: Mahendra Singh Dhoni may have dashed Pakistan's hopes of victory in the third one-dayer, but he found an admirer in no other than President Pervez
Musharraf himself -- not only for his batting but also for his unique hairstyle.

"A lot of placards in the crowd have suggested that you should get a haircut, but if you take my advice, you look good in this hairstyle," Musharraf told the Indian
wicketkeeper-batsman during the presentation ceremony.

Describing the Jharkhand player as the "architect of the Indian victory", the President said "it was a pleasure watching the game."

While congratulating India for their match-winning effort, Musharraf advised the home team not to lose heart.

 "Pakistan also played well and let's hope the remaining  two matches also provide such interesting cricket."

He also said the match was played in the right spirit.