ICC World Twenty20: Amit Mishra credits MS Dhoni for his support against Pakistan

India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the ICC World Twenty20 Super-10 opener, in Mirpur on Friday. Man-of-the-Match Amit Mishra played a crucial role and it was his 2/22 that helped his side restrict Pakistan to a modest total of 130/7 - one that India chased down with nine balls to spare. (Scorecard | Highlights)

Mishra's spell at the Shere-Bangla Stadium included a wicket-maiden as Pakistan batsmen clearly looked perplexed against him. Opener Ahmed Shehzad (22) and well-set Shoaib Malik (18) surrendered against his turn and guile at crucial stages, making him a superb trump card in skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's bowling arsenal. "MS gave me a lot of support today, the sort of support you need as a bowler," said Mishra.

Interestingly though, Mishra was never Dhoni's first-choice spinner and got his big break in the playing XI under Virat Kohli's captaincy during Asia Cup. He finished the tournament with three wickets from two matches - a performance that was considered good enough to play T20Is as well.

While T20 may be considered a young man's game, Mishra (31) revealed that his success on Friday was a result of his hard-work and determination. "I worked really hard and I am glad we won this match," he said at the post-match ceremony. "I'm always thinking of going for wickets and building up pressure."

Mishra was the third spinner brought into the side for the game - Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin being the other two. While Jadeja claimed a wicket, it was Mishra who truly weaved a spin of misery to trap Pakistan batsmen.