England have lost the first of their Twenty20 matches against Pakistan in Dubai by eight runs.
The visitors, who thrashed Pakistan 4-0 in the one-day series, started off firing and managed to claim their first wicket in just under three overs. Junaid Zia was caught by captain Stuart Broad after a short ball from Steve Finn.
Broad was instrumental in claiming the next two wickets in quick succession by running out Asad Shafiq and forcing a catch by Jonathan Bairstow from Mohammad Hafeez two balls later.
England continued their dominance as wickets began to tumble with Shahid Afridi and Umar Akmal suffering at the hand of the visitors with just under half of the overs left in the first innings.
While Pakistan managed to withstand England's bowlers for some time, Jade Dernbach managed to snatch a sixth wicket in the final over as Pakistan set their opponents a total of 145.
England's innings began well, as Kevin Pietersen hit a quickfire 33 before he was caught by Asad Shafiq off the bowling of Shahid Afridi. The visitors were another wicket down soon after when Craig Kieswetter went for 14 courtesy of Mohammad Hafeez.
Eoin Morgan made 14 when he became Hafeez's second victim of the match.
Ravi Bopara, whose fitness was an issue before the game, looked to have guided the visitors towards their target before he was clean bowled by Umar Gul for 39.
Gul was at it again when Joss Buttler was caught by Saeed Ajmal for three, while Samit Patel went for a golden duck when Gul got him lbw.
Johnny Bairstow [22] and Graeme Swann [2] tried earnestly to get England over the line, but they could only edge the total up to 136 as Pakistan claimed the victory.
Jack Prescott
