HARARE,ZIMBABWE: Spinner Imad Wasim rescued Pakistan from an unconvincing batting display as his 4-11 set up a 13-run win over Zimbabwe on Sunday in the first of two Twenty20 internationals.

Wasim's career-best figures in internationals ensured Pakistan's 136-8 was enough to win the tour-opener at Harare Sports Club. The slow left-arm bowler was instrumental as Zimbabwe only managed 123-9 in its 20 overs.

Shoaib Malik made 35 and Mohammad Rizwan 33 for Pakistan after captain Shahid Afridi chose to bat first. The decision by Afridi almost backfired, with Pakistan only just hanging on to maintain its record of never having lost a T20 game to Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe skipper Elton Chigumbura led the chase with 31, but his run out to first ball of the last over ended the home team's hopes.