Sam Billings and James Vince impress as England take lead in T20 series against Pakistan

England have sealed victory in their opening T20 match against Pakistan by 14 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Debutant James Vince hit 41 as England made 160-5 with Sam Billings and skipper Eoin Morgan also chipping into that tally in Dubai.

Eyebrows were raised when Jos Buttler, who struck a record-breaking century to help England seal victory over Pakistan in the one-day international series last week, was left out but Billings certainly helped fill the void, hitting 53 from just 25 balls.

Liam Plunkett helped squash the Pakistan fightback with three wickets while another debutant in Stephen Parry took 2-33. Sohail Tanvir and Sohaib Maqsood made 25 and 24 respectively, but saw their side bowled for 146 in 20 overs.

England initially struggled after going three down for 19 as Jason Roy (9) and Alex Hales (8) were swiftly dismissed. But Vince and Morgan steadied the ship with a combined 76, with the former hitting six boundaries and a six off the delivery from left-armer Imran Khan.

Wahab Riaz and Sohail Tanvir shared 43, leaving Pakistan chasing 18 from the final six balls but England held their nerve to draw first blood.

The remaining two matches of the series take place in Dubai on Friday 27 November and Monday 30 November.