Independence Cup: Pakistan wins and so does cricket
The World XI opened up the platform for foreign cricketers to revisit Pakistan. Photo: OINN
(Web Desk) - As Pakistanis celebrated the return of international cricket with great enthusiasm, the three match series ended on Friday with Pakistan’s stunning victory against World XI at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
The short series is believed to now convince international teams to initiate touring Pakistan again. According to AFP, Sri Lanka is due to play a Twenty20 match in Lahore on October 29.
Foreign teams refused to tour Pakistan due to a militant attack in 2009 on Sri Lankan team in Lahore during a Test match against Pakistani team.
The World XI opened up the platform for foreign cricketers to revisit Pakistan.
Under the captaincy of Sarfarz Ahmed, Pakistan team outplayed the World XI with cricketers from seven countries. The decider of match was on Friday, marking the important occasion by Pakistan claiming the series to 2-1.
Pakistan had won the first match by 20 runs on Tuesday before World XI levelled the series with a seven-wicket victory in the second on Wednesday.
World XI captain Faf du Plessis hailed the series as a big step and success.
"This has been a huge success," said du Plessis. "We wanted to come here and play a small part in cricket coming back to Pakistan. Thank everyone for the opportunity for coming here.”
The series was an effort from Pakistan Cricket Board to bring back international cricket to the country. Pakistan was able to host Zimbabwe for a limited-over series in 2015.
Here’s a look at some highlights from the match last night.
A view of crowd cheering for Pakistani team during the final match of Independence Cup between Pakistan and World XI at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN
Youngsters cheering for Pakistani team during the World XI series match at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: Malik Sajjad
People hold a large flag of Pakistan to cheer the national players during the final match of Independence Cup between Pakistan and World XI at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: Waseem Khan
People hold placards to cheer the Pakistani team Friday’s final match of Independence Cup between Pakistan and World XI at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN
People hold a banner to thank the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for Pakistan vs World XI series Friday s final match of Independence Cup at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN
People hold a large flag of Pakistan Friday’s final match of Independence Cup between Pakistan and World XI at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN
World XI players rejoice after ending the stay of Pakistani batsman Shoaib Malik Friday’s final match of Independence Cup between Pakistan and World XI at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN
Pakistani Ahmed Shehzad holds out his bat towards the audience on Friday’s final match of Independence Cup between Pakistan and World XI at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN
Former Pakistan captains, Shahid Afridi and Misbah-ul-Haq cheer while watching the final match of Independence Cup between Pakistan and World XI at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN
Former Pakistan captains, Shahid Afridi and Misbah-ul-Haq taking a group photo with Pakistani players Friday’s final match of Independence Cup between Pakistan and World XI at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN
Girls whooping with joy after Pakistani team won the Independence Cup by defeating World XI squad in the final match at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN
Pakistani players celebrate after winning the Independence Cup by defeating World XI squad in the final match at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN
Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Najam Sethi and West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President Dave Cameron awarding the trophy of Independence Cup to Sarfraz Ahmed after Pakistani team defeated World XI squad on Friday’s final match at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN
A group photo of the Pakistani team after winning the trophy of Independence Cup by defeating World XI squad in the final match at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN
