Chennai: His gritty century could not help India`s win but skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni`s ton under challenging conditions was acknowledged and appreciated by his counterpart Misbah-ul-Haq, here today.
Dhoni scored a fighting 113 when India were staring down the barrel at 29 for five after being put into bat in bowling friendly conditions.
Dhoni was also adjudged Man-of-the-match for his knock.
"It was more difficult to play in the first half. There was lot of moisture but very well played by Dhoni. He single- handedly took the game away from us but in the end (Nasir) Jamshed played brilliantly for us," Misbah said at the post match presentation ceremony.
"Nasir played an extremely good knock and showed the way by finishing the game," he added.
Misbah said his fast bowlers -- Junaid Khan and Mohammad Irfan -- did a fantastic job of the side after winning a crucial toss
"It was a good toss to win. It was an excellent spell by Junaid. He has done it before in a Test match in Sri Lanka. There was something for the bowlers but of you don`t bowl in the right areas when the ball is seaming, you don`t get result. Good to see that the bowlers pitched in the right areas in helping conditions," he said.
Dhoni said it was always difficult to comeback in the match after losing half-the-team at a score 29 and he chose not to play big shots while batting with Suresh Raina.
"I am satisfied with my batting. There was something for the fast bowlers, but they also pitched it in the right areas. 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 had started but overall, it was not enough in the end. The wicket got better later and our part-timers struggled," Dhoni said.
Pakistan skipper said it was difficult for the fast bowlers despite helpful conditions due to high level of humidity.
"It was hit and muggy. Humidity was a factor as both teams found it hard. Credit must be given to both teams` fast bowlers for bowling in such conditions," he said.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, December 30, 2012, 19:29