Azam shines as Australia chase 119 in rain-affected Pakistan T20.

Sydney -- The world's top-ranked Twenty20 batsman Babar Azam stroked 59 as Australia were set a target of 119 after sending Pakistan into bat Sunday in a game restricted to 15 overs due to rain.

Pakistan came into the series as the world's leading team in the short format, but were also reeling from an embarrassing 3-0 home series loss to Sri Lanka last month.

They removed skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed and dumped several other players in a bid for a fresh start, with opener Azam leading from the front with the captain's armband.

The 25-year-old, who averages over 50, smacked five fours and two sixes in his 38-ball knock to set Australia, fresh from a 3-0 whitewash of Sri Lanka, a competitive target in Sydney.

Pakistan ended on 107 for five but play was halted for just over an hour mid-match, meaning Australia was set a revised target of 119.

It was a decent recovery by the visitors after a terrible start when Fakhar Zaman was out first ball, hitting a swinging Mitchell Starc delivery straight to Steve Smith at backward point.

That brought Haris Sohail to the crease, but he made a poor decision in going after Kane Richardson too early...

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