Akmal's poise helps Pakistan build platform for success

Akmal, still in his first year as an international player, underlined his potential as one of the game's brightest talents as he struck 64 from 31 balls to help his side post 167-8 batting first.

It was a remarkable show of belligerence from the 20-year-old after he had been thrust into a potentially nervy situation with his side 47-4, but his fearlessness ultimately proved match-winning as Australia failed to maintain their recent hold over their sub-continental rivals.

Australia had beaten Pakistan in their previous 12 matches in all formats, most recently the stunning world Twenty20 semi-final success in May when Michael Hussey's unbeaten 60 from 24 balls steered them home.

There was to be no repeat, however, as Australia were bowled out for 144 in 18.4 overs, with young paceman Mohammad Aamer taking 3-27.

Australia had looked on course in their chase early on, despite two rapid wickets, after some erratic bowling from veteran quick Shoaib Akhtar.

Aamer trapped Shane Watson lbw for a duck in the first over but Akhtar, back in the team after an injury-riddled 12 months, saw his first five balls dispatched to the fence by David Warner.

The 34-year-old was replaced and the change brought immediate reward as Australia captain Michael Clarke (five) chipped Abdul Razzaq to Shahid Afridi at short cover.

Akhtar returned and continued to bleed runs, David Hussey hitting him for three fours in the fifth over, and when the right-hander straight drove Razzaq for six Australia had rebuilt to a healthy 56-2 after the initial six-over powerplay.

The duo appeared to have the chase in hand, adding 52 in 42 balls, before they both departed in back-to-back overs.

David Hussey (34) skied Afridi to Shoaib Malik at cover before Warner (41) saw his middle stump pinned back after playing inside a straight ball from Saeed Ajmal.

An acrobatic diving catch from Afridi then ended Cameron White's brief cameo of 17 from 13 balls and the wickets then tumbled as not even the presence of Pakistan's nemesis Michael Hussey could stop their surge to victory in front of a parochial crowd.

Australia lost their last six wickets for 35 runs, with the loudest cheers reserved for the dismissal of Michael Hussey when he was bowled by Umar Gul (2-13).

Earlier, Akmal affirmed his undoubted talent after arriving at the crease with his side in trouble. He led his side out of the mire with a blazing array of strokes.

The right-hander drove Smith for back-to-back sixes over his head and pulled Mitchell Johnson for successive boundaries to reach his fourth Twenty20 half-century in 21 balls.

Shaun Tait ended the fine innings when Akmal missed another attempted big shot over leg, but the damage was already done.