ABU DHABI – A youthful Pakistan crushed Australia by 66 runs in the firstTwenty20 international in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday to take a 1-0 lead in thethree-match series.

Batting first, Pakistan scored 155 for the loss of 8 wickets. Opener BabarAzam top-scored with an unbeaten 68 off 55 balls while Mohammad Hafeez made39 off 30 deliveries at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Fast bowlers Billy Stanlake (3-21) and Andrew Tye (3-24) were the mainwicket-takers for Australia.

Australia lost wicket last at regular intervals and were dismissed for 89in 17 overs. Imad Wasim picked up three wickets for Pakistan with FaheemAshraf and Shaheen Afridi claiming two each.

Pakistan lead the three match T20 series 1-0.

The second and third matches will be played in Dubai on Friday and Sunday.Teams

*Pakistan*: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, BabarAzam, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali,Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf

*Australia*: Aaron Finch (captain), Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, NathanCoulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, D´Arcy Short, BillyStanlake, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa – APP/AFP