ABU DHABI: Pakistan will be looking to bounce back in their second One-day International against England today after suffering a 130-run loss in the series opener.
England, who were thrashed 3-0 in the Test series against Pakistan, were in full flow in the opening ODI with their skipper Alastair Cook smashing a match-winning 137. Chasing 261, Pakistan were floored for just 130 and now the hosts will have to regroup to level scores in the four-match series.
Experienced batsman Younis Khan hoped Pakistan do not panic and try their best to bounce back against a resurgent England today.
"I hope there is no panic," said Younis. "We should not panic because we have not batted badly in the last four five matches, so we need to try our best and put Monday's performance behind us."
Pakistan never recovered after Finn claimed their top four batsmen in just 29 balls and Younis believes that lack of partnerships let the team down.
"England had a very good partnership between Cook and (Ravi) Bopara and that helped them," he said of the 131-run third wicket stand. "It wasn't a difficult chase but we failed to put up a reasonable stand."
Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, who took 24 wickets in the preceding 3-0 Test series win, grabbed a career-best 5-43 but England still managed a challenging total.
"We couldn't cash on the two wickets by (Shahid) Afridi but still we should have got that total. England bowled the first 10 overs well, they outclassed us and Finn was very impressive," said Younis, who made 15.
Younis praised Cook's knock. "When the captain of the team plays like this the whole team is inspired and Cook's knock lifted England so we have to match them in their body language and performance," he said.
For his part, Cook said he hoped his side keeps their feet on the ground after securing the much-needed win.
"It's only one game, so let's not get carried away too much. It was a really good performance and we will enjoy the feeling and make sure we come back as a side on Wednesday," he said.
England's one-day captain was full of praise for Bopara and Finn.
"I thought the way Ravi played and handled the pressure when we lost those two quick wickets was a real key moment because if we'd lost another couple of wickets it would have been 'here we go again'.
"Finn was outstanding. At 40 for four after 10 overs it's never over - with Afridi coming in at eight - but that was outstanding bowling and we played close to our potential which was pleasing," said Cook.
Meanwhile, England have declared on Tuesday that they are gunning for revenge in the one-day series against Pakistan after the 3-0 Test whitewash.
"We're looking to absolutely nail this series, to beat them 4-0, whitewash them - obviously a bit of payback for the Test series. It would be a great achievement. That would be fantastic. We've got to aim high," said England all-rounder Samit Patel.
"I wouldn't say it's relief," the 27-year-old Patel said of the victory. "It's just great to get back to winning ways really.
"It's been a tough period that we've had, but you've got to take the ups and downs really and move forward - and we're doing that right now."
Patel stressed England should play 50-over format rather than the prevailing 40-over in their domestic cricket.
"I think the (right) preparation would be to go 50-over cricket in England, if we're going to prepare for the next World Cup. I think 50-over cricket is crucial, and I don't see any point in playing the 40-over format if we're going to be playing 50 in the World Cup.
"At the moment we're sticking to a 40-over format, which attracts a lot of crowds. People say the 50-over format is dead. But I think if we're looking for the bigger picture, towards the next World Cup, 50-over cricket should come back."