KARACHI, Sept 12: Pakistan found the going tough in the opening match of the five-game Sahara Cup one-day series against India by struggling to 189 for nine in 50 overs at the Skeeting and Curling Club Ground, Toronto (Canada) on Saturday.

After being sent into bat by Mohammed Azharuddin, Pakistani batsmen failed to score freely against the Indian bowlers.

Former Pakistan captain Salim Malik top scored with 41 off 70 deliveries. Opener Saeed Anwar contributed 35 while Ijaz Ahmed made 21.

For India, pace bowler Javagal Srinath and all-rounder Saurav Ganguly recorded identical figures of three for 37 in 10 overs while young Ajit Agarkar chipped in with two for 47, also in 10 overs.

India, who are without star batsman Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, Ajay Jadeja and Robin Singh all of whom are playing in the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, won 4-1 in last year's second edition after Pakistan clinched the inaugural tournament 3-2 in 1996.

Final Report: India won the match by six wickets. Ganguly was awarded man of the match.