Put into bat by Australia, Pakistan scored an intimidating 191-5 and then dismissed Australia for 175 in 20 overs.
Umar Akmal struck nine fours and four sixes during his sixth half-century. He shared a 96-run third-wicket stand with older brother Kamran Akmal, who scored a run-a-ball 31.
Pakistan, which lost its opening game to India by seven wickets, was given a scare by Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Finch who produced stroke-filled half centuries.
Maxwell raced to 74 off 33 balls with seven fours and six sixes while Finch made 65 from 54 with seven fours and two sixes.