KARACHI: Pakistan’s one-day international captain Misbah-ul-Haq praised MS Dhoni’s game-changing hundred while adding that Junaid Khan and Nasir Jamshed were the match winners for Pakistan.

“We were lucky to get the better of the conditions but India still gave us a tough time. It was more difficult to play in the first half, very well played by Dhoni,” Misbah said of Dhoni’s 113 not out while also admitting that Pakistan were lucky to get the better conditions.

Dhoni steadied his side, after coming in when they were tottering on 29 runs for the loss of five wickets in just 10 overs, playing a brilliant knock off 125 balls and giving India a fighting chance in the first ODI in Chennai which looked all but lost for the hosts after Junaid sliced through the top order.

Junaid, who finished with figures of 43-4, was also praised by the captain.

“The spell by Junaid Khan was very good. He has done it before in a Test match in Sri Lanka. Good to see that the bowlers pitched in the right areas in helping conditions,” Misbah added.

In reply to India’s 227, Nasir Jamshed was the rock for Pakistan after Bhuvenshwar Kumar took two quick wickets, playing out a calm and steady century to guide the tourists to a six wicket win.

“Nasir played an extremely good knock and showed the way by finishing the game,” Misbah said.

Dhoni, who was adjudged the man of the match for his innings, said his side had put up a good score which unfortunately was not enough in the end.

"I am happy with my batting. Once we lost five wickets, it was difficult to come back. We delayed the slog to get to a respectable score. 227 was a good score from where we were, but not enough in the end,” he said.