Dhoni's cavalier innings brought great rewards for India

Dhoni's maiden hundred helped his team to a lead of 15, before Pakistan moved 137 in front at 152-1 by stumps.

"The pitch was good for batting but it was still not easy," he said. "Shoaib was bowling very fast but I decided to counter attack and it worked."

Akhtar was warned for a beamer and Dhoni added: "It must have slipped from his hand, but he didn't apologise."

In only his fifth Test, Dhoni plundered the bowling to all parts of the ground, with 18 fours and four sixes.

He paid tribute to Irfan Pathan, who made 90 in their stand of 210 that took India beyond the follow-on target and into a strong position.

Day four report

"He played a sheet anchor role and that was the main thing in our partnership," the 24-year-old wicket-keeper said.

Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi admitted that the match was likely to end in a draw because of the placid nature of the pitch.

"By day 10 it might break up," he quipped. "It's a very dead track and I don't think there will be any spin even on the final day.

"In the morning we'll see how we go, in cricket you can't say anything and we may declare and try our chances."