Babar Azam plays a shot for boundary during the 1st Twenty20 match against Zimbabwe at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday. AP

Captain Babar Azam hit a fluent half century and spurred Pakistan to a six-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first Twenty20 international match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Azam proved yet again why he is one of the top batsmen in white-ball cricket with an attractive 55-ball 82 to anchor Pakistan's chase of a modest 157-run target in 18.5 overs.

Mohammad Rizwan tries to run out Elton Chigumbura. AP

The win gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and a 12th straight win over Zimbabwe in all Twenty20 international cricket.

Mohammad Hafeez scored 36 off 32 balls and together with Azam shared an 80-run stand as fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani finished with 2-26.

Earlier, 20-year-old Wesley Madhevere hit nine fours and a six to score an unbeaten 70 but Pakistan's pace still restricted Zimbabwe at 156-6.

Babar Azam and Chamu Chibhabha pose with trophy of Twenty20 series. AP

Elton Chigumbura, who will retire after the series ends on Tuesday, made a quickfire 21 off 13 balls, but Zimbabwe's top order struggled to accelerate against fast bowlers Haris Rauf (2-25), Wahab Riaz (2-37) and Mohammad Hasnain (1-25). The second match will be played on Sunday.