Pakistan captain has big hopes

Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik hopes the three-match One-Day International series against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi, United Emirates will mark a turnaround in the fortunes of his side.



On the eve of tomorrow’s match at the Zayed Stadium, Malik said his team familiarity with the pitch and the enthusiastic crowd support will be important factors for Pakistan.



The series is the only international Pakistan will play before hosting cross-border rivals India in three Tests and five one-day internationals matches in January and February next year.



Pakistan, which lost their top batsman Mohammad Yousuf to the unofficial Indian Cricket League recently, have been boosted by the return of paceman Shoaib Akhtar.



West Indies captain Chris Gayle says he is hoping that his batsmen will perform under unfamiliar conditions in Abu Dhabi.