Finch scores half century as Australia end Pakistan campaign on a winning note

Australia's limited-overs skipper Aaron Finch finally had some runs on the board as the tourists defeated Pakistan by three wickets with five balls to spare in the one-off T20 International at the Gaddafi Stadium here.

After losing the three-match ODI series 1-2, Australia ended their campaign on a winning note, first restricting the hosts to 162/8 despite skipper Babar Azam's polished 66 off 46 deliveries, and then scoring the required runs in the final over, with Finch contributing a half century.

In a repeat of last year's ICC T20I World Cup semifinal, Pakistan again batted first and were off to a superb start, thanks to Azam's quick-fire 66. The Pakistan skipper equalled India's Rohit Sharma on 26 T20I half centuries, tied for second on the all-time list.

But Nathan Ellis pegged Pakistan back, returning figures of 4/28 in only his third T20I appearance for Australia. His incisive bowling saw the defending T20 World Cup champions well within reach of the target for a majority of their reply.

Finch, after his miserable form in the ODIs, top-scored with 55, while Travis Head (26), Josh Inglis (24), Marcus Stoinis (23) and Ben McDermott (22) played useful knocks as Australia wrapped up the win with five balls to spare.

The one-off T20I win adds to Australia's Test series victory under skipper Pat Cummins, with Pakistan having won the ODI series 2-1.