KARACHI, April 23: Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin inspired the Indian Seniors to a three-wicket victory over Pakistan Seniors in the first game of the four-match one-day series at the National Stadium on Sunday.

Azharuddin lashed a 78-ball 82 as the touring side reached 256 for seven in the penultimate over of the 40-over match.

The elegant right-hander blasted eight fours and one six.

Amarjeet Singh Kaypee (43 off 64 balls, three fours) and ex-Test batsman Praveen Amre (35 off 21 balls, six fours) also made useful contributions.

Former off-spinning all-rounder Ijaz Faqih claimed three for 39 while Manzoor Elahi, the ex-Pakistan all-rounder, took two for 34.

Earlier, Pakistan Seniors failed to capitalise on a fine opening partnership of 107 between the left-handed Aamir Sohail (64 off 75 balls, eight fours) and Azam Khan (71 off 83 balls, eight fours).

The home team eventually finished at 253 for five in their stipulated 40 overs.

Batting legend Javed Miandad, coming in at No 5, remained unbeaten with 16 off 17 balls with a solitary boundary.

The second match of the series will be played at Jinnah Stadium in Sialkot on Tuesday.

Summarised scores:

PAKISTAN SENIORS 253-5 in 40 overs (Azam Khan 71, Aamir Sohail 64, Raees Ahmed 38, Mansoor Akhtar 35; Sanjeev Sharma 2-32); INDIA SENIORS 256-7 in 39 overs (Mohammad Azharuddin 82, Amarjeet Singh Kaypee 43, Praveen Amre 35; Ijaz Faqih 3-39, Manzoor Elahi 2-34).