The Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore was a picture of excitement and elation on Tuesday night as thousands of fans trooped in to watch an international match in Pakistan after two years. While Zimbabwe had visited these shores in 2015, even that series had its shares of scares and in many ways, this was the most high-profile match in Pakistan since 2009 when security fears stopped all international cricket in the country.
A delighted crowd of almost 25,000 watched their Champions Trophy heroes defeat the World XI by 20 runs in an exciting encounter. But more than the game itself, the significance of the occasion was not lost on anyone.
Fantastic to see international cricket back in Pakistan #PAKvWXI #Cricket pic.twitter.com/4ZaY7QJoeS
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) September 12, 2017
To see the joy on the fans who thronged the stadium, watching their heroes in flesh was a reminder of how easily we can sometimes take little pleasures for granted.
More fantastic shots of Pakistan fans having the time of their lives at the Gaddafi Stadium! #PAKvWXI pic.twitter.com/JEVBltZViv
— ICC (@ICC) September 12, 2017
The match itself wasn’t uneventful. Pakistan came to town dressed, not in their usual flaming greens, but a deeper shade of teal.
A day to remember for Pakistan fans, as they win the 1st #PAKvWXI T20I by 20 runs.
— ICC (@ICC) September 12, 2017
SCORECARD: https://t.co/xuWqhdIPOl pic.twitter.com/G4ashjUMAR
Which got mixed reactions....
This new Pakistan Jersey is so beautiful. Loving the color shade too! Welcome change from deep green. https://t.co/ZuKmUN9QKm
— Vasanth Kumar (@gully_point) September 12, 2017
Wow. That Pakistan jersey is fantastic
— Ali Arslan Ahmad (@AliArslanAhmad) September 12, 2017
What's wrong with Pakistan's Jersey?! Dull with worst design of all.. :/ #Pakistan #Cricket
— Mustaqeem Ahmed (@mustaqeemahmed) September 12, 2017
What's wrong with Pakistan's green??? Is it match jersey? https://t.co/KCWXVuqq60
— $@@D (@CricBellz) September 12, 2017
There was some needling...
If anyone thinks these matches are just a few friendlies - watch the reaction of Shadab when he got Miller out #PAKvWXI #Cricket pic.twitter.com/B4i11wS9vR
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) September 12, 2017
And fittingly, for a match played in Lahore, a lethal yorker which even the batsman applauded.
That appreciation was just best moment of the day 😌
— Jihan (@YesIamJihan) September 12, 2017
What a Killer Yorker of Hassan Ali crushes Darren Sammy 😍#PAKvWXI#PAKvsWorldXI pic.twitter.com/7AC8cw1Frc
Congratulations, Pakistan won the match. What a feeling it is to see your team winning at home ground. #PAKvsWXI #PakistanZindabad
— Ayaz Samoo (@ayazsamoo) September 12, 2017
Fell on a terrific yorker, applauded the bowler even before standing up. Greatness level: Darren Sammy#PAKvWXI pic.twitter.com/Vlk5ZbL5t8
— Haseeb Arshad (@HaseebTweets) September 12, 2017
Pakistan won to get the series off to just the start the fans had wanted. The crowd went back, a satisfied, happy lot, knowing the significance of the occasion.
Unbelievable feeling!
— Syeda Nain Abidi (@SyedaNain18) September 12, 2017
Game is done! 🇵🇰 in one up!🙂
Thanks WXI🙏🏻for giving this beautiful country days and moments to remember🤝#PAKvWXI
Paul Collingwood "When I'll look back that I was a part of the World XI & was a part of this cause, I will be a proud man" #PAKvWXI #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) September 12, 2017
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