Andrew Strauss hails opener Davies after England beat spirited Pakistan

Skipper Andrew Strauss hailed the "outstanding" contribution of Steve Davies to England's victory over Pakistan in the opening match of the NatWest Series.

Davies' 87 was the cornerstone of the hosts' 24-run win against a spirited Pakistan side at Chester-le-Street, Durham.

England's 274 for six, in a contest reduced to 41 overs per side after overnight rain, was a tough target for the tourists - thanks to half-centuries from Davies and Jonathan Trott (69) and despite Saeed Ajmal's four for 58.

Davies' only previous ODI came at last year's Champions Trophy, but the 24-year-old left-hander was far from overawed by the occasion as he and Strauss put on 78 in a spirited opening stand.

"Steven Davies was outstanding with the bat and really got us off to a flying start," said Strauss. "Our score was very competitive on this wicket, but it was a really good wicket so we had to work hard in the field. It was a really good game of cricket. Pakistan did well to stay in the game but we're pretty happy with what we've done.

"There's a lot of confidence in our group at the moment, we've strung together quite a few one-day wins recently. The key is to not take our foot off the gas - just keep working hard and keep improving." England's victory followed a 2-0 win in the Twenty20 series after England had won the fourth and final match to complete a 3-1 triumph in the Test series.

Pakistan, who capitulated dismally in the second Twenty20 match in Cardiff, showed much more fight yesterday.

Pakistan opener Kamran Akmal made an overdue return to form with 53 from 61 balls while his brother Umar hit 43 in 33 deliveries.

Slow bowlers Graeme Swann and Michael Yardy put a brake on the scoring after Pakistan had started brightly with 62 from 65 balls. Swann struck yet again in his opening over and finished with two for 50 from eight while Yardy took two for 49, also from eight overs.