Pakistan have already won the one-day series against West Indies in Abu Dhabi by taking a 2-0 lead but their captain Shoaib Malik wants to secure a 3-0 margin which will take them to fourth in the ODI rankings. Pakistan clinched the first ODI after prevailing in a thrilling last-over finish on Wednesday and followed up with a 24-run victory on Friday.

"We will do our best because my aim has always been to improve and be among the world's top two teams. Here is an opportunity for us to do that," Malik said. "At the moment we have a task on our hands and that is to win the last match, which will give us more confidence for India." Pakistan's next major assignment is the home series against India in January.

Pakistan were without Shoaib Akhtar in the first two games because he was suffering from a calf injury. His condition had not improved. Shoaib last played a one-day international for Pakistan against India in November 2007.

"He [Shoaib] is still struggling," Malik said. "Anyone can get injured here because the ground is very soft, so we will look at his fitness before the match."

The West Indies coach John Dyson said that Pakistan were the "stronger team overall" and his team would have to raise their game significantly to avoid a clean sweep.

"We are giving too many free hits while bowling and, in the batting, our batsmen have the style of play that the crowds in the Caribbean love, which is to see the ball crushed. But in between you have got to pick up singles, like Pakistan are doing."

The final ODI of the series will be played on Sunday.