Pakistan celebrated international cricket’s return after six years with a five-wicket win against Zimbabwe in the first Twenty20 international at a packed and security-tight Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
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The win doubled the joy for the hosts as the match brought international cricket home for the first time since attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009.
Strict security was in place with 4,000 policemen on duty, but that did not stop cricket-deprived fans from packing the 27,000-capacity stadium.
A big thank you to the everyone on security for this historic day in Pakistan for Cricket . pic.twitter.com/vfy66IFEzP
— Saqlain Mushtaq (@Saqlain_Mushtaq) May 22, 2015
Pakistan opener Mukhtar Ahmed hit a maiden half century during his rapid 45-ball 83 to help Pakistan achieve their best Twenty20 chase in 19.3 overs and take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura hit eight boundaries and a six in his 35-ball knock during his career best 54 to lead Zimbabwe to an imposing 172-6 in their 20 overs after electing to bat.
Fans lined up for entry five hours before the start of the match at 7pm local time (18:00 UAE time) and had to go through five check points before entering the stadium.
Fireworks opened the match with Pakistan president Mamnoon Hussain introduced to the teams.
Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said the win sent out a positive message that the country was a safe, secure place to visit.
“It’s a great occasion and the win made it greater,” said Afridi. “With this match we have given a positive message to the world that Pakistan is a safe country.”
Despite the loss, Chigumbura was happy that his team played a major role in a landmark event.
“They supported both teams and it’s always good to play in front of big crowds and hopefully more spectators will come to the next games too,” said Chigumbura.
The crowd! The team! The stadium! What a Country! What a WIN! Cricket is back in Pak! #CricketComesHome #TheRealPCB #Cricket #Pakistan
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) May 22, 2015
On the field, Pakistan bettered their highest Twenty20 chase by one run, beating the 172 they chased against Bangladesh at Pallekele in 2012.
Mukhtar, playing only his second international game, gave Pakistan a sound start with an opening stand of 142 with Ahmed Shehzad who made a 39-ball 55 with six boundaries and a six.
Mukhtar hit 12 fours and three sixes before he edged spinner Graeme Cremer behind the wicket. Pakistan also lost Mohammad Hafeez (12), Umar Akmal (four) and Shoaib Malik (seven) in a mini-slump before Afridi hit the winning boundary in a nervy finish.
