Top 5 MS Dhoni knocks against Pakistan in ODIs

#3 72*(46) at Lahore, 2006

Dhoni's explosive knock enabled India to complete a comprehensive triumph

During the 2005/06 season, India embarked on a string of successful run-chases in the 50-over format. The key reason behind their productive run was the remarkable consistency of Dhoni and Yuvraj. With the two dynamic batsmen manning the middle-order, no target was out of reach for the Men in Blue.

The 2006 series in Pakistan saw Dhoni and Yuvraj operate at the peak of their powers. The third ODI at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore produced a quintessential partnership between the two finishers. Chasing 289, India were in trouble at 84/3. But Tendulkar's fluent 95 kept the pursuit on track.

When Tendulkar fell, the visitors still needed 100 runs for victory. Umar Gul then trapped Mohammad Kaif for a duck to send the Pakistani supporters into a frenzy. However, Dhoni's arrival allowed India to wrest back the momentum.

In tandem with a well-set Yuvraj, Dhoni took the attack to the Pakistan bowlers. He smashed as many as 13 boundaries in his unbeaten 46-ball 72. From a position of balance, the gloveman's frenetic knock brought the game to a swift conclusion as India coasted to victory in the 48th over.