Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli

India began their T20 World Cup campaign in winning fashion after a seven-wicket success over fierce rivals Pakistan in the opening match of the Super Ten stage in Dhaka.

Umar Akmal's 33 from 34 balls helped Pakistan posted a sub-par total of 130 for 7 as Amid Mishra took 2-22.

In reply, India rarely looked in danger and after Rohit Sharma (24) and Shikhar Dhawan (30) put on 54 for the opening wicket Virat Kohli (36) and Suresh Raina (35) saw the 2007 champions canter to the target of 131 with nine balls to spare.

Captain MD Dhoni said: "A few dropped catches, it would have been better if we could have taken them, apart from that it was a fantastic game. Rohit and Dhawan gave us a good start, Kohli and Raina capitalised.

"It is good to see Raina among the runs, with him around it gives us the firepower in the middle order. [About extra spinners] we will have to decide based on how much dew is there, I think today Amit Mishra bowled 70-75% of what he can bowl."

Pakistan skipper added: "The pitch was damp a little, not coming onto the bat, there was extra bounce. We were 20 runs short, we also dropped some catches, we have to take them in matches like this. Long way to go in this tournament. Maqsood has natural talent to hit the ball hard."

Earlier, Netherlands reach the Super 10 stage in thrilling circumstances after beating Ireland by six wickets after chasing down an unlikely 190 to win.

Needing to reach their total within 14.2 overs to qualify for the main group stage Stephan Myburgh (63) and Wesley Barresi (41 not out) inspired the Dutch to an unlikely victory.