Pakistan win first match on home soil in six years

LAHORE: Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 5 wickets in the first Twenty20 international at a packed Gaddafi Stadium here on Friday, celebrating international cricket´s return in the country after a lapse of six years.

Pakistan chased down the 173-run target with 3 balls to spare in 19.3 overs and take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

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 Friday with 4,000 policemen on duty but that did not stop cricket-deprived fans from packing the 27,000 capacity stadium.

After winning the toss, Zimbabwe batted first scoring 172 runs for the loss of six wickets. Captain Elton Chigumbura remained the top scorer with 54 runs.

Making his international comeback, pacer Mohammad Sami took 3 wickets. Wahab Riaz took 2 and Shoaib Malik 1 wicket.

In reply, Pakistani openers Ahmed Shehzad and Mukhtar Ahmed cashed in on the batting friendly pitch scoring over 100 runs for the opening partnership.

Mukhtar, who was also named ‘the man of the match’, scored a brilliant 45-ball 83 with 12 fours and 3 sixes. Shehzad made a solid 55.

Speaking to TV presenter and former cricketing great Ramiz Raja at the awards ceremony, Mukhtar said he was ready to adopt any role team management wanted to set for him.

He also expressed his joy over return of international cricket in the country and for being awarded the man of the match award in today’s match.

Skipper Shahid Afridi hit the winning runs after his side stuttered for a while after losing the well-set openers.

“Crowd has given the image that we are a nation which loves cricket. Zimbabwe played well but today it was all about Mukhtar… we expect the same from him in the future,” said the captain at the awards ceremony.

The second Twenty20 will be played on Sunday followed by three one-day internationals on May 26, 29 and 31 – all in Lahore.

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Pakistan home with Afridi boom

Captain Shahid Afridi hit the winning four as Pakistan get the Zimbabwe target of 173 with 3 balls to spare.

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Run a ball required in the last over

Pakistan require another 6 runs with 6 wickets and 6 balls remaining with Shoaib Malik and Sarfraz Ahmed at the crease.

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Umar Akmal out in a jiffy

Umar Akmal goes early too after hitting just a four, caught Sibanda bowled Vitori for 4. Pakistan require another 11 runs with 6 wickets and 13 balls remaining.

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Hafeez leaves early on 12

Mohammad Hafeez gives away his wicket cheaply caught behind after a promising start with a four and a six. Pakistan 161/3 require another 12 runs with 7 wickets and 18 balls remaining.

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Mukhtar follows partner Shehzad; out on 83

Fans would not be able to enjoy Mukhtar Ahmed’s maiden T20 century as he got out shortly after the departure of his opening partner Ahmed Shehzad. He made 83 in just 45 balls with 12 fours and 3 sixes. Pakistan require another 29 runs with 8 wickets and 31 balls remaining.

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Shehzad goes after scoring solid 50

Ahmed Shehzad is out after scoring a technically solid half-century (55 in 39 balls). Pakistan require another 31 runs with 9 wickets and 36 balls remaining.

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Shehzad reaches 50 as well

Ahmed Shehzad has joined his opening partner Ahmed Mukhtar, scoring a sound half-century in just 35 balls with six fours and a six. Pakistan now require another 44 runs with 10 wickets and 48 balls remaining.

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100 up for Pakistan

Pakistani openers have provided a solid platform to achieve the 173-run Zimbabwe target as they build a 100-run partnership. Pakistan are now 109/0 and require another 64 runs with 10 wickets and 60 balls remaining.

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Mukhtar hits fiery half-century

Pakistan’s new opener Mukhtar Ahmed announces his arrival at the international arena with a fiery half-century in just 26 balls against Zimbabwe in the first T20. He reached his 50 with a towering six and also hit 10 boundaries in his innings. Pakistan are now 89/0 after 8 overs.

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Shehzad joins the party with a four and a six

It looks like Ahmed Shehzad has just arrived at Gaddafi stadium as he joins his opening partner Mukhtar with a boundary and six in the fifth over. He is not out at 13 in 10 balls. Pakistan are 60/0 after 5 over.

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It’s raining boundaries at Gaddafi Stadium

Opener Mukhtar Ahmed is hitting boundaries at will in Pakistan’s reply to 173-run target set by the visitors. He is batting on 42 with 9 fours in just 19 balls. Pakistan are 49/0 after 4 over.

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Mukhtar, Shehzad start Pakistani reply

Opener Mukhtar Ahmed hit two boundaries in Zimbabwe’s first over in Pakistan’s reply to 173-run target set by the visitors. Ahmed Shehzad was non-striker end. Pakistan are 11/0 after first over.

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Pakistan restrict Zimbabwe to 172/6

Zimbabwe scored 172 runs at the loss of six wickets in the first T20 international against Pakistan. Captain Chigumbura remained the top scorer with 54. Sami took 3, Wahab 2 and Malik 1 wicket for Pakistan.

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Wahab gets prize wicket of Chigumbura

Wahab Riaz has taken the most important wicket of Zimbabwe skipper Elton Chigumbura, who played brilliantly for his 54. Riaz clean-bowled him, Zimbabwe are 170/6 after in the last over.

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Skipper Chigumbura reaches 50

Hats off to Zimbabwe captain Elton Chuigumbura, who has reached his half-century in just 33 balls with a brilliant sixer. Zimbabwe are now 165/5 after 18.2 overs.

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Sami takes third wicket of the evening

Pakistani pacer Mohammad Sami, who is making a yet another international comeback, took his third wicket of the match. Sikandar Raza caught Ahmed Shehzad bowled Mohammad Sami for 17. Zimbabwe are now 142/5 after 17.

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Malik strikes after two missed stumping chances by Sarfraz

Shoaib Malik takes Pakistan's fourth wicket after wicketkeeper Sarfraz missed two stumping chances off Malik and Afridi. Sean Williams caught Wahab Riaz for 16, Zimbabwe are now 100/4 after 13.

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Wahab’s bouncer shows pavilion to Coventry

Pakistan’s ace pacer Wahab Riaz bowled a frightening bouncer to Charles Coventry, which took an edge and went straight in Sarfraz’s gloves. Coventry made 14 runs. Zimbabwe are now 76/3 after 9.

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Sami strikes twice for Pakistan

Mohammad Sami gets the first two wicket for Pakistan on two successive deliveries. Both openers are now gone, Sibanada out caught Sarfraz Ahmed on 13 and Masakadza caught and bowled on 43. Zimbabwe are 58/2 after 7 overs.

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Zimbabwe off to a flying start; 54/0 after 6 overs

Zimbabwe openers, Hamilton Masakadza and Vusi Sibanda are playing brilliantly to give their a flying start. Masakadza, who s on 42 (25), hit seven boundaries and a huge six in his innings so far. Zimbabwe are 54/0 with 6 overs of fielding restrictions are up.

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Brilliant Masakadza gives Zimbabwe steady start

Hamilton Masakadza is playing brilliantly with non-striker Vusi Sibanda just a mere spectator at the other end. Masakadza is on 27 (18), Zimbabwe are 33/0 after 4.3 overs.

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Sami leaks boundaries in 2nd over

Mohammad Sami is bowling the second over for Pakistan and went for two boundaries on his first two deliveries. Hamilton Masakadza played two brilliant strokes to open his account. Vusi Sibanda is at the not-striker's end. Zimbabwe are 12/0 after 2 overs.

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Anwar Ali bowls the first delivery

Pacer Anwar Ali has started Pakistan’s bowling attack in the first T20 against Zimbabwe. He is looking good as all his deliveries are right on the money just outside the off stump. Zimbabwe are 1 without any loss after the first over.

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Zimbabwe to bat first after winning the toss

Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura won the toss and decided to bat first against Pakistan in the first T20 International of the series. He seemed confident and lauded the massive crowd for supporting both the teams.

Pakistani skipper Shahid Afridi said the whole team was waiting anxiously for this moment to arrive, adding that he was delighted on return of international cricket in the country.

He hoped that other teams will follow the footsteps of Zimbabwe and tour Pakistan in near future.

Afridi said he was happy with the team combination with three genuine pacers and Anwar Ali as an all-rounder.

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Pakistan team arrives at Gaddafi stadium



Pakistani players have arrived at the stadium as an already full house welcome them ahead of first international cricket match at home soil in six years.

Captain Shahid Afridi, fast bowler Wahab Riaz and Ahmed Shehzad among others were looking relaxed as the team started a short practice session before the match kicks off at 7 PM local time.

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Some clicks from Gaddafi Stadium

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#CricketComesHome
Social media is buzzing with the return of international cricket to Pakistan.

Geared up for an awesome summer of #Cricket in #Pakistan #PAKvZIM #CricketComesHome #TheRealPCB @iamShaniera pic.twitter.com/Ow0Yhwda0u

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) May 22, 2015

Honored to be in the Green kit and proud to be part of #CricketComesHome! Let's the games begin, wish us luck with your prayers ?? #PakVsZim

— Shoaib Malik (@realshoaibmalik) May 22, 2015

Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, It is about learning to dance in the rain. Good luck PAK,PCB and PCT. #cricketcomeshome

— Ahmad Shahzad (@iamAhmadshahzad) May 20, 2015

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Team lineup

Pakistan: Shahid Afridi (capt), Sarfraz Ahmed, Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Mukhtar Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Anwar Ali, Bilawal Bhatti, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Sami


Zimbabwe: Elton Chigumbura (capt), Sikandar Raza, Charles Coventry, Graeme Cremer, Hamilton Masakadza, Christopher Mpofu, Richmond Mutumbami, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusi Sibanda, Brian Vitori, Sean Williams

Umpires: Ahsan Raza (PAK) and Shozab Raza (PAK)

TV umpire: Ahmed Shahab (PAK)

Match referee: Azhar Khan (PAK)