David Warner has hit an unbeaten 53 to guide Australia to a six-wicket win in their Twenty20 clash with Pakistan in Dubai.

Chasing 97 for victory on Sunday, Australia were struggling at 4-56 before Warner combined with James Faulkner (seven not out) for a 41-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Australia clinched victory with six overs to spare.

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Earlier, legspinner Cameron Boyce claimed 2-10 off four overs in a spectacular debut as Australia restricted Pakistan to 9-96.

Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat on a dull-looking pitch offering assistance for the slow bowlers.

Offspinner Glenn Maxwell led the way with 3-13 off three overs for Australia, who had named four first-timers in their side.

Debutants Kane Richardson (1-13) and Sean Abbott (1-17) were also stand-out performers for Australia.

In reply, Australia lost the early wickets of skipper Aaron Finch (5), Glenn Maxwell (17) and Steve Smith (3) before debutant Phil Hughes (six) fell after top-edging a pull shot with the total on 56.

Left-hander Warner took charge, reaching his half-century off 38 balls with a switch-hit for six over mid-wicket.

Warner celebrated by rocking his arms in a cradling motion, having become a father last month to daughter Ivy Mae.

The opener hit four fours and three sixes in his 39-ball knock.

Australia’s chief selector Rod Marsh had presented Hughes, Boyce, Richardson and Abbott with their yellow caps as the team completed their warm-ups on the field before the start of play.

Australia’s squad has been weakened by the absences of Pat Cummins (Champions League) and Mitch Marsh (hamstring strain) while Pakistan were missing frontline spinners Saeed Ajmal (chucking ban) and Mohammad Hafeez (hand injury).

Pakistan will host Australia for a three-match series of one-day internationals starting on Tuesday’s in Sharjah.