Dhoni and Yuvraj during their 100-run partnership in Kanpur

It gave the hosts a 2-1 lead in the five-match series with two to play.

Dhoni said: "Yuvi is our trump card. I said that even before the start of the series. His knock is always important and he's playing some amazing shots.

Dhoni also praised spinner Harbhajan Singh: "He was at his best today and he exploited the conditions well."

Yuvraj's all-round contribution ensured he took man-of-the-match honours - he ran out Mohammad Yousuf and had Shoaib Malik lbw.

India batted first, hit 294-6, and bowled out Pakistan for 248 despite a career-best 129 by opening batsman Salman Butt.

606: DEBATE Pakistan weren't on the ball from the start, and India played well. Good captaincy from Dhoni amjad01

A disappointed Pakistan captain Malik felt said: "We should have restricted India to 250.

"On this wicket, the target was too high. We dropped Yuvraj early on and he went on to score 70-odd runs.

"We are lacking in fielding and we need to work hard in this department."

Malik called for more support among his batsmen for Butt, who he said was "batting superbly".