In a match moved from the Himalayan city of Dharamsala because of security fears after Pakistan only agreed last week to participate in the tournament following assurances from the Indian Government, a difficult wicket meant a low-scoring match.

Rain before the match meant the contest was reduced to 18-overs per side.

In sticky conditions, India were then utilised their spin attack to good effect after putting their opponents in after winning the toss.

Pakistan managed just 28 from their first six overs and reached just118-5 courtesy of 26 by Shoaib Malik and 22 by Umar Akmal.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravi Jadeja led the Indian attack, finding sharp turn as they mesmirised the batsmen and reduced the run-rate to no more than a run per ball.

Their opponents, meanwhile, had misread the conditions by omitting left-arm spinner Imad Wasim in favour of paceman Mohammad Sami.

India lost wickets as they set about their chase but, with Virat Kohli leading the way, their victory never seemed in doubt.

Kohli enjoyed a stand 61 with Yuvraj Singh, bowing to retired Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in the stands when he passed 50.

Singh's unbeaten 55 off 37 balls took India to their target of 119 in 15.5 overs with MS Dhoni hitting the winning runs in a four wicket victory.

India have now played Pakistan in 10 matches at World Cups and World Twenty20 tournaments without losing.

It continued their recovery after losing their first match to New Zealand and they face Australia and Bangladesh in their next two matches.

Pakistan need to beat Australia and unbeaten New Zealand to progress to the next stage of the competition.

Two Group matches are scheduled for tomorrow with South Africa facing Afghanistan at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai before Sri Lanka take on West Indies at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.