Pakistan defeat World XI in first of three T20Is

Pakistan hosted the first of three T20Is on Tuesday against a touring World XI, winning by 20 runs in a packed stadium in the eastern city of Lahore. The home side rode on the back of a rapid-fire 86 by opener Babar Azam, raking up a formidable 197 before their bowlers held off a star-studded World XI batting line-up led by South African captain Faf du Plessis. The series has been billed as a precursor to international cricket's return to Pakistan.

It was a momentous night for Pakistan - recap how they won on their return to home international cricket #PAKvWXI https://t.co/fWNUaxMpA5 pic.twitter.com/mnqFGaEDuG

— ICC (@ICC) September 13, 2017

The country has hosted only one foreign team since militants attacked a bus transporting the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore in 2009, wounding six players and killing two civilians and six security officials. "I saw international players for the first time in my life, It was fascinating watching quality cricket," student Omar Khan said. Umpire Ahsan Raza, who received two gunshot wounds in the 2009 attack, was one of the two on-field officials for Tuesday's match.

The World XI had a heroes' welcome to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore #PAKvWXI pic.twitter.com/oPAAc3B8nU

— ICC (@ICC) September 12, 2017

More than 6,000 police officials and paramilitary officers were deployed around Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, according to provincial government spokesman Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. Lahore streets were gridlocked from 3pm onwards, Bangladesh time, as cheering fans arrived at the six designated car parks from where they were transported to the stadium by a shuttle service. Attacks in Lahore have become less frequent in recent years but security remains high as Pakistani Taliban and other militant groups remain active.

They sure did! A joyous night as Pakistan celebrated its return to hosting international cricket ?? Match report ➡️ https://t.co/fWNUaxuOIx pic.twitter.com/9jTCGTXnCM

— ICC (@ICC) September 12, 2017

A Taliban suicide bomber killed 25 people in July in an attack that appeared to target Lahore’s police force. "It's great to play in front of the Pakistan crowd," Du Plessis said after the match, showering praise on Pakistan's young players, many of whom were playing their first match at home in national colours. In March, calls for the return of international cricket picked up steam after the final of the domestic T20 Pakistan Super League, featuring high-profile foreign players such as West Indies World Cup winner Darren Sammy, was held in Lahore. BRIEF SCORE World XI 177/7 in 20 overs (Sammy 29*, Tamim 18) lost to Pakistan 197/5 in 20 overs (Babar 86, Shehzad 39) by 20 runs