Shahid Afridi is targeting a major turnaround when his side begins their five-match ODI series against SA on Friday.
The hosts were woeful during the two Twenty20s in Abu Dhabi, losing both games handsomely with their batting particularly poor against a well-drilled Proteas outfit.However, they are likely to be bolstered by the return of former captain Younus Khan for the games, being played in the United Arab Emirates because of security concerns in the Asian country.
"I am sure we can do far better in the ODIs, since I believe that we have players who have good temperament and can play the 50 overs comfortably," the Pakistan limited-overs skipper said.
They managed below-par scores of 119 and 120 in the 20-over games and their bowlers, who faced an
uphill battle, still managed to fight on.
Afridi continued: "We needed good starts but that didn't come in both the matches.
"My own performance was not up to the mark so we have to sit down and plan to improve our batting, which is struggling."
The Pakistanis have endured a turbulent few months both on and off the field, with the biggest issue being the 'spot-fixing' allegations that they became embroiled in on their tour to England.
The consequences of that mean they are without their two premier pacemen - Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir - as well as Salman Butt, all of whom have been suspended over the matter.
But Afridi has urged his team-mates not to get distracted.
He added: "Yes, the players are under pressure, but we have to put that aside and concentrate and keep ourselves focused."
South Africa are set to welcome back key pair Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn after their recent injuries.
They have not been missed, though, with youngsters Colin Ingram, David Miller and Rusty Theron all performing admirably in their absence.
Like Afridi, South Africa's Twenty20 captain Johan Botha also expects an improved showing from the hosts in the series.
He said: "Pakistan are a very good team and they can bounce back in the ODIs.
"We will keep the momentum going and ensure that we keep working hard and try to win as many as matches possible."
