Acting India captain Rahul Dravid was full of admiration for Shahid Afridi following the Pakistani opener's smash-and-grab century in Kanpur.
Afridi's 102 occupied just 46 balls and was the difference between the two sides in Pakistan's five-wicket win.
Dravid, who hit 86, said: "He played an absolutely brilliant knock.
"I thought 250 was a good score and if you take away Afridi's contribution it was not an easy target. He is a very dangerous player."
Pakistan can now take the series if they win in Delhi on Sunday despite losing the first two matches.
Their captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said: "Afridi made the difference. I hope he continues like this in Delhi as well because we have a good chance to win the series."
Afridi himself, who has made a name for himself by batting in explosive style.
He fails at least as often as he succeeds but he insists positive thinking is the only way forward.
He said: "I always go out there to play positive cricket. I did not score much in the first three games so I am glad I helped put my team in a winning position."
MMIX
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