An unbeaten fifth-wicket stand of 65 from Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan set Pakistan up for a 57-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first of three T20 internationals on Sunday.

Pakistan, aiming for a white-ball double in Zimbabwe having already won the ODI series 2-1, won the toss in Bulawayo to score 165-4 as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 108 in 15.3 overs.

The tourists were 100-4 with 34 tosses left at Queens Sports Club when Tahir and Khan combined to score a quick 65 runs, punishing poor bowling and sloppy fielding.

Tahir scored 39 hits, including one six and four fours, becoming joint top scorer with Usman Khan, who hit four boundaries, including two sixes. Irfan Khan finished the game with 27 off 15 balls and three fours.

“Irfan and I spoke and decided to run hard, hit every ball and if we don’t get a six, then run,” player-of-the-match Tahir told reporters.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, who top-scored with 39, said: “Losing 40 runs in the last few overs changed the dynamic. “Giving it all up to 108 is a really hard pill to swallow.”

The Pakistan-born all-rounder was the pick of the bowlers as his misleading spin took the wicket of Pakistan captain Salman Agha (13).

In response, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Raza raised Zimbabwe’s hopes as they put on 59 runs for the third wicket.

But soon after Marumani was bowled out by Usman Khan for 33 runs, Raza was caught at back point by Saim Ayub and the innings collapsed, with the last four wickets falling for just 13 runs.

After Jahandad Khan took the prize wicket of Raza, Sufiyan Muqeem wreaked havoc with the Zimbabwe tail, taking three wickets.

The two sides will meet again on Tuesday and Thursday.