LAHORE // Pakistan celebrated international cricket’s return after six years with a five-wicket win against Zimbabwe in the first Twenty20 international at a packed Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
Pakistan had not hosted any international cricket since terrorists attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 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.
“It’s a great occasion and the win has doubled the joy,” Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said.
“With this match we have given a positive message to the world that Pakistan is a safe country.
“Of course the win should have been by a bigger margin but you need entertainment in a Twenty20, which was there and it wasn’t a one-sided match.”
Opener Mukhtar Ahmed hit his maiden half century during his rapid 45-ball 83 with 12 fours and three sixes to help Pakistan achieve their target in 19.3 overs and take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
The crowd endured frequent security checks to reach their seats long before the Twenty20 between Pakistan and Zimbabwe, the first Test-playing team to visit this country since the attack on the Sri Lankans, which had resulted in all major tours to Pakistan since being cancelled.
Fans cheered loudly as Pakistan fast bowler Anwar Ali bowled the first delivery to Zimbabwe opening batsman Hamilton Masakadza after visiting captain Elton Chigumbura won the toss and elected to bat.
Chigumbura would later record a career-best, 35-ball 54 in leading his side to 172 for six, hitting eight boundaries and a six.
“We gave away too many runs in the first six overs than we wanted,” Chigumbura said. “They got 100 runs inside the first 12 overs and it made a big difference.”
Pakistan president Mamnoon Hussain shook hands with both teams and the president of Zimbabwe Cricket, Wilson Manase, stood next to Hussain for the national anthems.
The action finally began in temperatures of 43°C.
“Who cares about this hot weather and at how many places I was checked by the security officials, I am just here to see the return of international cricket in my own country,” said fan Waqas Zulfiqar.
The teams arrived at the stadium in a fleet of vans carrying armed guards more than two hours before the match. Two helicopters hovered over the stadium. Pakistan pledged blanket security to the visitors to persuade them to come, with police and paramilitaries deployed to avoid a repeat of the 2009 attack that killed six police and a driver.
Dozens of CCTV cameras were installed around Nishtar Park, which holds Gaddafi Stadium. Spectators were told to bring identity cards and allowed to carry only mobile phones inside the stadium.
The extraordinary security did nothing to deter fans and tickets for both Friday’s and Sunday’s T20s were sold out in two days, after they went on sale this week.
“I’ve been waiting for this day for six years and just can’t wait for the real action to begin,” said Ahmed Ali, a university student, as he took his seat.
Hundreds of home team fans, mostly youngsters, wandered around outside seeking the prized tickets.
Farhan Ishaque from Faisalabad was not sure of getting hold of a ticket but said he would not go home. “It’s a historic moment for Pakistan and I don’t want to miss the atmosphere,” he said.
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