Strauss provided the foundation of England's innings with 78

England had not won in 11 limited-overs games but can level the series with a victory at Edgbaston on Sunday.

"There's a bit of relief in the dressing room - it's been a while since our last win in Belfast," said Strauss.

"It was a much better performance and hopefully we're turning things round. Squaring the series would be great."

Strauss, who scored 78 at the top of the order, paid tribute to his match-winners Michael Yardy, who took 3-24 on debut, and Ian Bell, who brought England home with an unbeaten 86.

"Michael and Jamie Dalrymple (who took 1-38) put it in the right areas and asked questions of the Pakistani batsmen," the captain added.

I want to be positive, as if it's the last game I get to play for England England's Ian Bell

"Michael mixes it up well and, more than anything else, he turns it. He's a good character as well, so it's great to see him in the side and doing well.

"Belly's been playing out of his socks all summer and it was a clinical batting performance - that's what we want to see from the top order."

Bell, who was named man of the match, put his improved performances since his return to the England side down to a more positive approach.

"I want to be positive, as if it's the last game I get to play for England. That's how I want to play the rest of my career," he said.

"I was having a few wafts early on, but as I got myself in and the light got darker, it got easier and it was good to be there at the end.

"Mohammad Asif bowled really well, hit some good areas and was dangerous. It was just a case of seeing him off and being there at the end."

Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq blamed his side's defeat on his batsmen and said he was disappointed the third umpire gave Strauss not out when he claimed a catch early in England's innings.

"We didn't get enough runs on the board - 270 plus is a good score on that wicket, and that's why we batted first," said Inzamam.

"But the England bowlers bowled very well to restrict us to 235.

"We've played the last two and a half months and maybe we've lost some intensity but everybody's still working hard.