England women defeated Pakistan by 53 runs in the first T20I of the three-match series at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
The Girls in Green couldn't chase the 164-run target and were bowled out for 110 in the 19th over.
Chasing a formidable target of 164 runs, Pakistan's batting lineup faltered, managing only 110 runs despite a brisk innings from Sadaf Shams.
Pakistan lost both their openers, Sidra Ameen (9) and Gull Feroza (17), during the batting powerplay.
Sadaf, batting at No.3, maintained control for Pakistan with some clean hitting.
The right-handed batter dominated the English bowlers during her brief innings, with Pakistan cruising at 77/3 in 10 overs.
Unfortunately, a misunderstanding between Sadaf and captain Nida Dar resulted in Sadaf's dismissal in the following over.
She ended up as Pakistan's top-scorer with a quickfire 35 runs off 24 balls, including seven boundaries.
Pakistan then suffered a collapse, losing wickets rapidly and slumping to 89/9 by the 15th over.
Tailenders Fatima Sana (16*) and Sadia Iqbal (8) offered some resistance, adding 21 runs for the 10th wicket before Sadia fell to Lauren Bell in the penultimate over.
Sarah Glenn led England's bowling attack with figures of 4/12 in her four overs, while Bell impressed with 3/22.
Earlier, Nida Dar won the toss and opted to field, putting the home side on the batting crease first. England found themselves in dire straits as they slumped to 11/4 in 2.5 overs, with Pakistan's bowlers making crucial breakthroughs.
Following this early setback, England's captain Knight was joined by Jones at the crease, and the pair orchestrated a remarkable recovery. Demonstrating sound batting, they forged a partnership of 67 runs for the seventh wicket, rescuing England from a precarious situation.
Jones contributed a brisk 37 runs from 27 deliveries, including four boundaries. Stepping in at No. 7, Danielle Gibson then took charge of fortifying England's total.
She formed a dominant partnership with Heather Knight, who departed in the 16th over after scoring a cautious 49, the highest for England. Knight's innings, spanning 44 balls, featured six boundaries.
Meanwhile, Gibson accumulated valuable runs in the latter stages of the innings. She remained unbeaten on 41 from just 21 deliveries, powered with eight boundaries.
Waheeda Akhtar and Sadia Iqbal claimed two wickets each for Pakistan, while Tuba contributed with one dismissal.
The final T20Is are set to take place on May 17th and 19th.
