Tamim makes 14 as World XI lose T20I series to Pakistan

Pakistan beat the touring World XI on Friday by 33 runs in the final Twenty20 fixture in Lahore to win the three match series 2-1 and thrill home fans excited by the return of international cricket. Buoyed by a 102-run second-wicket stand between opener Ahmed Shehzad and batsman Babar Azam, Pakistan reached 183 for four in their 20 overs before restricting the star-studded World XI team led by South African captain Faf du Plessis to 150 for eight. Pakistan have only hosted one international series since militants attacked a bus transporting the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009.

Ahmed Shehzad "I was speaking with some of the World XI players and they said they would love to come back to Pakistan" #Cricket #PAKvWXI

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) September 15, 2017

Six players were wounded in the attack, in which two civilians and six security officers lost their lives. Backed by the International Cricket Council, the series has been heralded as the return of international cricket. Sri Lanka have agreed to visit Pakistan for one match at the end of September and West Indies are planning to send a team later in the year, Pakistan Cricket Board chief Najam Sethi said.

Congratulations #teampakistan. Well played @iamAhmadshahzad &@babarazam258 Well bowled by all bowlers.@TheRealPCB @ICC #CricketComesHome

— Junaid khan 83 (@JunaidkhanREAL) September 15, 2017

Gracious in defeat, Du Plessis praised the Pakistan team and said he would welcome more opportunities to tour the country. Frenzied fans packed the stands of the 60,000 capacity Gaddafi Stadium, cheering almost equally for both teams. Many members of Pakistan's young cricket-mad population, 60 percent of which is under 25, have not had a chance to watch live cricket at home.

Misbah-ul-Haq and Shahid Afridi at Gaddafi Stadium watching the third T20I between Pakistan and World XI #PAKvWXI pic.twitter.com/oBGntbcS5X

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) September 15, 2017

Even before the 2009 attack, tours to the country had become infrequent with many teams refusing to visit due to security concerns. People could be seen dancing to Bhangra music in the streets around the stadium after the match, as joyous fans headed home.

Pakistan now has more wins against World XI in 3 games than against India in 8 games in the T20I format. #PAKvWorldXI

— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) September 15, 2017

Lahore was on high-alert during the matches, with heightened security measures enforced across the city. Commuters were forced to plan alternate routes and avoid driving in the vicinity of the stadium.

3rd T20I: Andy Flower speaks with the host broadcaster as Darren Sammy listens #PAKvsWorldXI @darensammy88 @ICC pic.twitter.com/qaCMEnphck

— Sami Ul Hasan (@Samiburney) September 15, 2017

Local police were tasked with emptying roads when the team buses travelled to and from the hotel. BRIEF SCORE Pakistan 183/4 in 20 overs (Shehzad 89, Babar 48) beat World XI 150/8 in 20 overs (Perera 32, Tamim 14) by 33 runs