England Lions made a winning start to their three-match Twenty20 series against Pakistan A in the United Arab Emirates with a seven-wicket victory inspired by Craig Kieswetter.

Somerset's Kieswetter smashed an impressive unbeaten 77 from 52 balls with Ian Bell hitting 48 from 44 to help steer the Lions to victory at the Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium.

After Pakistan A's 156 for seven having been put in to bat by Andrew Gale, the Lions lost Steve Davies and Michael Lumb in successive balls to slip to 34 for two.

Opener Kieswetter pressed on, however, joined by Bell to form a strong partnership in a 115-run stand as the Lions went on to win with 14 balls remaining and seven wickets in hand.

Earlier, only Shahzaib Hasan produced anything of note for Pakistan as he scored 57 from 55 balls before being run out by Kieswetter.

Adil Rashid (two for 21) and Peter Trego (two for 38) were the pick of the Lions attack.