Welcome back, Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi made his international comeback count. Lakruwan Wanniarachchi / AFP

The Pakistan all-rounder made an immediate impact on his return to the Pakistan one-day international side as he inspired the team to a 126-run victory over the West Indies.

Dropped Afridi had not been in Pakistan's squad for the Champions Trophy last month, owing to bad form, but a poor display at the tournament in England meant the selectors turned back to the all-rounder for the five-match, one-day series in the West Indies.

Saving the day Afridi that he came to the wicket with his team reeling at 47 for five. Six boundaries and five sixes later in a 55-ball knock of 76, he had rescued the innings, helping his side to a respectable 224 for nine.

Bowling masterclass Afridi then took seven for 12 off nine overs, the second best bowling figures in ODIs, to help bowl them out for 98.

Team player Afridi said: "It is not time for me to just survive in the team, but to give a lot to the team. It was not easy to survive, so I tried to stay positive. Whenever I got the ball in my zone I went for it."

Delight Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan captain, said: "It was a much-needed performance. Especially the way Afridi played. It is one of the more difficult pitches I have played on."

More of the same Pakistan will look to Afridi to maintain his form in the second match of the series, which takes place in Providence today. West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo has warned his side to step up their performance levels. He said: "We have to rally around each other and back ourselves and back our ability."