Pakistan head Gary Kirsten's strong message to his batters seems to have worked wonders as Pakistan limped to a seven-wicket victory with 15 balls remaining against Canada in the T20 World Cup at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Tuesday.

The victory which came after their twin demoralising defeats to USA and India will keep Pakistan in the running for a Super 8 berth.

Kirsten's message "evolve or get left behind" meant the batting unit had to get their act right. Chasing 107 wasn't easy on this two-paced wicket but Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam displayed application and discipline during their 63-run second wicket stand.

Pakistan went into the game with a new opening pair in Rizwan and Saim Ayub but couldn't go beyond 20. Rizwan and Babar then provided stability to the innings.

While Babar was dismissed for a run-a-ball 33 in the 15th over, Rizwan remained unbeaten on 53.

Pakistan batters were focused on getting the two points, rather than worrying too much about net run-rate for now. They continued to knock the singles around and the innings included just three boundaries and two sixes.

Earlier, Aaron Johnson was the only bright spot for Canada as Pakistan restricted them to 106/7.

On a fresh wicket, the fourth drop-in pitch at the stadium, Johnson waged a lone battle for Canada with a 44-ball 52, studded with four sixes and as many fours even as the Pakistan bowlers kept them under pressure with regular wickets.

While Mohammad Amir claimed 2/13, Haris Rauf returned 2/26 while Shaheen Shah Afridi (1/21) and Naseem Shah (1/24) recovered well after wayward starts.

Brief scores: Canada 106/7 in 20 (Aaron Johnson 52; Md Amir 2/13, Haris Rauf 2/26). Pakistan 107/3 in 17.3 (Md Rizwan 53 not out, Babar Azam 33). Pakistan won by 7 wickets.