Aaron Finch's reign in charge of Australia's Twenty20 side got off to a winning start against Pakistan, albeit in a low quality clash in Dubai.

The big-hitting batsman has taken over from George Bailey and got one over on fellow new captain, Shahid Afridi, as Australia chased down a victory target of 97.

They did so for the loss of four wickets, with David Warner their top scorer, although neither side can be best pleased with their batting on a turning pitch.

Fans will also hope that the quality improves ahead of the one-day and Test series ahead, although there was an incident of note as the umpires failed to notice that when Warner hit his 54th and final run he had won the game.

Instead another ball was bowled and this time, James Faulker's single was recognised as the match-winner.

That Warner scored more than half of Pakistan's total spoke volumes about an innings that saw their first wicket fall for 13.

Awais Zia was the man to go, finding debutant Kane Richardson at mid-on off the bowling of Glenn Maxwell, and the same bowler accounted for Umar Amin three balls later, tempting him down the track and having him stumped for a duck.

Sohaib Maqsood was then cleaned up by Maxwell (three for 13) before Ahmed Shehzad found the hands of Finch for 10.

Umar Akmal made only one before going to Richardson, leaving Pakistan on 36 for five, and Afridi did little more, edging to two before being trapped by another debutant in Sean Abbott.

Anwar Ali quickly followed for five, new boy Cameron Boyce's second victim, and when Saad Nasim's decent knock of 25 was ended when Mitchell Starc bowled him between bat and pad, the game was up.

Wahab Riaz (16) and Hasan (13 not out) added some late blows, but they were let down by those above them as Pakistan slumped to 96 for nine from their 20 overs.

Finch went early in Australia's reply, making just five, while Maxwell climbed to 17 before being trapped in front by Afridi.

Steve Smith made only three and Phil Hughes - a fourth T20 debutant for the Baggy Green - six, but with Warner motoring along to a 38-ball 50 Finch was able to start with a victory.