Malik lauds series whitewash

Younus Khan awaits a ball from Lionel Baker during his fine hundred for Pakistan

Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has praised his players for overcoming two brilliant centuries from Chris Gayle to complete a clean sweep over West Indies in the three-match one-day series in Abu Dhabi.

Younus Khan hit a sparkling 101 and Ifthikar Anjum picked up four wickets as Pakistan defeated West Indies by 31 runs in the final match.

Pakistan have been starved of international cricket this year with several teams refusing to tour the country due to security reasons, so Malik was thrilled with the triumph.

"Before the start of this series, I had asked the players to play to potential and show commitment," Malik said.

"They have done that quite well and I am pleased they have given their best here.

"In the second match, our total was small but we knew that they heavily depend on Chris Gayle.

"We planned to get Gayle out early and did it. We also did well in saving boundaries as planned.

“We have not played international cricket in a long time, but that hasn't deterred us.

"This win is a big boost to our confidence ahead of the series against India.”

India are scheduled to play three Tests and five one-day internationals in Pakistan in January and February next year. However, there are doubts over the tour due to security worries.

Malik expects a tough test if the tour takes place.

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"The way India are playing we would need to be at our best and do extra work to beat them," Malik said.

Younus, whose century was his sixth in ODIs, believes that the old enemy will be beatable.

"This is pretty much the same team we played and beat last year," Younis said. "The only difference is they have an aggressive captain in Dhoni.

"But Dhoni has been very lucky as his changes and decisions have all paid off. His real test will come when luck deserts him."

Malik’s leadership has come under criticism from former Pakistani captains, but he received support from Younus and PCB chief executive Salim Altaf.

"He is learning with time and with every match," said Younus, who was among the contenders to take over if Malik was sacked.

"I suggest that people should leave him alone. He should be made captain for four to five years because he comes under pressure every time there is talk about changing the captain."

Altaf, a former Pakistan fast bowler, added: "Nothing has been decided about Malik's captaincy, but I think he is committed.

"He is young and if he gets a chance he might prove himself a good captain.”