MULTAN, Sept 9: Pakistan’s stand-in captain Inzamam-ul-Haq set his sights on scoring 10,000 one-day international runs after passing the 9,000 mark on Tuesday.

“I feel very good about completing the 9,000 runs today given the pressure I was under in recent months,” Inzamam told reporters after leading his side to a crushing 137-run victory over Bangladesh in the first match of the series. “Now I am looking towards 10,000.”

The 33-year-old Inzamam consolidated his position as the fifth highest run-scorer in one-day international history during his unbeaten innings of 56 in his hometown of Multan.

Only India’s Sachin Tendulkar (12,219 runs) and Mohammad Azharuddin (9,378), and Sri Lankans Aravinda de Silva (9,284) and Sanath Jayasuriya (9,126) have scored more limited-overs international runs than Inzamam.

“It has been an honour playing for so long for Pakistan and to reach this landmark when I am leading the side,” Inzamam said.

Inzamam was recalled to the team for the Test series against Bangladesh after a dismal 2003 World Cup in which he mustered only 19 runs in six matches.

He returned to form last week, however, making a majestic 138 to lead Pakistan to what had looked at one stage an improbable victory in the third Test.

“I think today we proved our class in the match,” he said. “The openers batted professionally and we got a good start. It was than up to the senior players to show the way.”

Pakistan coach Javed Miandad said his players had analysed their mistakes in the Test series against Bangladesh and come out stronger in the first one-day match.

“I think our fielding was brilliant today,” Miandad said. “The bowlers did a good job on a straight wicket and applied the pressure well on their batsmen.”—Reuters