Pakistan's unwanted record of never beating their neighbours in the event continued as the hosts chased down their target of 191 in just 30.3 overs.

They got off to a promising start at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad when they reached 155-2 at the world's largest cricket ground in front of a crowd of more than 100,000.

However, capitulation followed when captain Babar Azam was bowled by Mohammed Siraj for 50.

A collapse of eight wickets for 36 runs then came at the hands of India's ferocious bowling attack, with Siraj one of five to pick up two wickets.

At first it seemed a simple total to chase down, but both Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli were dismissed for 16, causing a slight panic.

Rohit Sharma settled the nerves though with a magnificent performance as he scored 86 runs.

"There is no doubt about it that the bowlers set up the game for us again today," said India captain Sharma.

"It was a great effort.

"I don't think it was a 190 pitch.

"At one stage we were looking at 270-280 but they came back and showed grit and that says a lot about the guys.

"All in all it is looking good, and I want to keep my fingers crossed.

"We don't want to get too excited or get too low, we want to stay balanced."

The result marked an eighth successive Indian victory over Pakistan in Cricket World Cups, a run that stretches back to 1992.

It is their third win in as many games so far at this year's tournament, putting them ahead of New Zealand in pole position courtesy of a superior net run rate.

Competition is set to continue tomorrow with Afghanistan taking on England at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.