Top 5 MS Dhoni knocks against Pakistan in ODIs

#4 63 (77) at Guwahati, 2007

Dhoni's composure helped India cruise in a potentially tricky run-chase

Fresh from India's triumphant campaign in the 2007 World T20, Dhoni took over the ODI captaincy as well. However, the visiting Australian team provided a tough initiation for the wicket-keeper batsman. In its aftermath, the opening ODI against Pakistan at Guwahati was crucial for both himself and his team.

On a sluggish pitch, a disciplined performance from the Indian bowlers restricted Pakistan to 239. Despite the loss of talisman Sachin Tendulkar, the hosts relied on Sourav Ganguly and Gautam Gambhir to do the heavy lifting. However, both batsmen departed in quick succession to leave the team in a precarious position of 113/3.

Realising that the required run-rate was not going to be an issue, Dhoni and Yuvraj took minimal risks. They smartly manipulated the field and forced the Pakistani bowlers to commit errors in lengths. The dependable right-hander top-scored with 63 to seal a clinical Indian victory.