England did nothing to lift the gloom surrounding Pakistani cricket by taking charge of the opening Twenty20 clash in Cardiff.

Spin-king Graeme Swann led the way, claiming two for 14 as Pakistan were restricted to 126 for four after they were put in by England skipper Paul Collingwood following a 30-minute delayed start because of rain.

Pakistan's visit to the Welsh capital was totally overshadowed by "spot-fixing" allegations made against Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer.

The trio, currently suspended following claims in last weekend's News of the World, are the subject of police and International Cricket Council investigations and England's bowlers, backed up by sharp fielding, took charge as Pakistan tried in vain to let their cricket take centre-stage.

Michael Yardy supported Swann admirably by taking one for 21, with England's spinners applying the brakes in conceding just 35 runs between them from eight overs.

Despite a late flourish from Umar Akmal (35 not out) and Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi (16 not out) - Afridi was dropped by Stuart Broad and Luke Wright - England were left chasing just over six an over in their first Twenty20 game since being crowned world champions earlier this year.

Wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, promoted to open, earlier skied a delivery during Tim Bresnan's first over towards a grateful Yardy at mid-off, and although Mohammad Yousuf (26) led a boundary-laced recovery, Swann soon pegged Pakistan back.

Swann struck with his fifth delivery, seeing Yousuf caught on the mid-wicket boundary by Eoin Morgan, then a delivery that turned sharply accounted for Shahzaib Hasan, who was stumped by Steven Davies.

Swann had taken two for five in seven balls, and with Yardy finding an immediate rhythm from the other end, Pakistan reached a pedestrian 61 for three after 10 overs.

Fawad Alam then lobbed a straightforward catch back to bowler Yardy at 88 for four, and although Akmal and Afridi compiled an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 38, England held a tight grip on proceedings.