Mahendra Singh Dhoni was never in doubt about India attaining the target of 289 that Pakistan had set in the third one-day international on Monday.
"It's all about confidence. I did not feel under any extra pressure. Even though we needed more than a-run-a-ball when I went in I felt it was quite achievable. We had Suresh Raina to come in after me and Yuvraj was already there," said Dhoni, whose 46-ball unbeaten 72 set up the five-wicket win, after the match.
Scorecard | Images | Prem's Blog
"I just wanted to stay there for a few balls (to judge the pace and bounce in the wicket) before I started playing my shots," the Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batsman said.
Dhoni, who struck 13 fours in his blitzkrieg, rated the innings higher than the 148 he made against the same opposition, at Vishakapatnam last year, which brought him into international focus.
Also read: Dravid praises Tendulkar, Yuvraj, Dhoni
"The 148 I made was my fifth match and I batted at number three. That innings also helped us to win the match. Both are different innings, but I rate this higher as it came under more pressure," the 24-year-old added.
Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh powered India past the hosts' total with an unbroken sixth wicket stand of 102 runs in only 79 balls with the latter remaining unconquered on 79.
Skipper Rahul Dravid praised Dhoni's ability to adapt to different situations but said the team management did not give him any special instructions before he went in, with India precariously placed at 190 for five in the 35th over.
"We just told him to go out there and play his natural game. He played beautifully. It was a great performance. He has the ability to adapt quickly to situations. He has come on greatly in the last six to eight months," Dravid said.
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