Dubai, May 22 (UNI) Pakistan chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed has praised the newly-appointed captain Shoaib Malik for his dynamic leadership in the on-going Abu Dhabi series against World Cup runners up Sri Lanka.

Claiming that he and and his team of selectors' bold step to appoint young Malik as the skipper was a right decision, Salahudin told the 'Khaleej Times', ''Malik proved that he was the right choice to lead Pakistan as he lead from the front. Hats off to him and the team for their brilliant performance. All the credit goes to them only.'' ''He himself bowled splendidly and used his players well.'' Salahudin was also happy with the fact that the 25-year-old all-rounder has received full support from the senior players of the team.

''He has got the backing of senior players as two other young captains Jayawerdena and Graeme Smith received from their seniors.'' After a disastrous first round exit from the World Cup, Pakistan came back strongly under the leadership of Malik and have thrashed Jayawerdena's men in the first two ODIs of the three match series, thus already clinching the series 2-0 with just a match to go.

UNI