With the T20 business out of the way, attention shifted to the longer of the limited-overs formats, beginning with the first ODI, in Chennai. Bhuvneshwar Kumar made his ODI debut for India.
Pakistan won the toss, chose to field, and enjoyed early success when they had India on the ropes at 29/5 after less than 10 overs. India were rescued from humiliation by Suresh Raina and M.S. Dhoni, who put on 73 for the sixth wicket. Then Raina was bowled for 43.
R. Ashwin came to the middle, was happy to play second fiddle to Dhoni, who now took the responsibility for carrying the attack to the tourists. He smashed three sixes and seven fours in an unbeaten 113 as Ashwin got 31 not out from 39 balls at the other end. Together, they helped India reach 227/6, considerably better than they might have hoped for earlier in the innings. Junaid Khan took 4-43 for Pakistan.
Pakistan lost Mohammad Hafeez to the first ball of their innings, giving Bhuvneshwar a maiden ODI wicket. And when he also accounted for Azhar Ali, India had hopes of pulling off the win.
But Nasir Jamshed and Younis Khan calmed any fears of a sudden collapse with a stand of 112 for the third wicket. Younis was eventually out for 58 with a six and three fours. Jamshed then put on 39 with Misbah-ul-Haq. After Misbah fell for 16, Jamshed saw Pakistan home in the company of Shoaib Malik with 11 balls to spare. He was unbeaten on 101 not out, having struck a six and 5 fours, while Malik finished 34 not out.
Pakistan had won by six wickets. Bhuvneshwar was the best of the Indian bowlers, with 2-27.
Dhoni was named Player of the Match, although Jamshed had his own claims to the award.