Pakistan beat India in opening Twenty20 International

Pakistan recovered superbly to edge out India by five wickets in a thrilling first Twenty20 International.

Chasing India's modest 133-9 in Bangalore, the visitors recovered from 12-3 and appeared to be cruising to victory before a late wobble resulted in them needing 10 from the final over.

But Shoaib Malik (57 from 50 balls) clobbered a straight six to see Pakistan home with two balls to spare.

This is the first bilateral series between the countries for five years.

After bowling well to restrict India to a below-par total, Pakistan's chances of a first Twenty20 victory over their hosts appeared slim when debutant seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3-9) ripped through their top order.

But a fine 116-run partnership between Malik and his captain Mohammad Hafeez (61) put them firmly in control.

India put on 77 for the opening wicket, as Gautam Gambhir (43) and Ajinkya Rahane (42) appeared to be laying the foundations for a big total.

But not for the first time this winter, India suffered a major batting collapse, losing nine wickets for only 47 runs in the next 7.3 overs as Umar Gul (3-21) and Saeed Ajmal (2-25) did the main damage.

- BBC.co.uk