Malik thrilled with Pakistan win

Shoaib Malik wants his side to carry their impressive form into the remaining ODIs

Buy this photo

Shoaib Malik was elated with Pakistan's showing in the first one-day international against the West Indies and has urged his players to perform at a consistently high level.

Wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal led a last-over charge as Pakistan sealed a thrilling four-wicket victory against West Indies in the first ODI at Shaikh Zayed International Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Skipper Chris Gayle led with a century as the West Indies made 294 for nine, batting first.

Khurram Manzoor, Younus Khan and skipper Shoaib Malik replied with half-centuries for Pakistan, but victory looked unlikely with 17 needed off the final over.

However, Akmal hit back-to-back sixes off Jerome Taylor before Fawad Alam hit a single off the penultimate ball to secure the triumph.

"After a long time, we are playing a big team," said Malik.

"We hope to carry on this form into the next few games. We must be consistent if we are to improve. I told the boys after the match that though it is one match down, don't look at it that way.

"We need to look at it match by match. I told them to treat every match as the first match."

Pakistan have been starved of cricket this year with teams refusing to tour the country due to security concerns.

The contest was their first since since the Asia Cup four months ago, while they have not played a Test match in over a year.

"It is always hard when you play some big time cricket after a long time, but the guys did really well today,” added Malik. "It was a team effort."

Malik, however, singled out Manzoor for special praise.

"It was only Khurram's second game and the way he batted was fantastic," said Malik. "He is one for the future."