In pictures: Pakistan vs West Indies T20 series lights up Karachi

Cricket

In pictures: Pakistan vs West Indies T20 series lights up Karachi

Close

(Web Desk) – As the three-match T20 series began in Karachi on Sunday, crowds thronged to the National Stadium to witness the return of international cricket back to their city.

A magnificent performance by Pakistan resulted in a defeat of West Indies side by 143 runs in the first Twenty20 at the National Stadium in Karachi, the first international match in the city for nine years.

Pakistan, the world’s top-ranked T20 side, equalled their highest total in the format of 203-5 in 20 overs before bowling the West Indies out for their lowest-ever T20 total – 60 runs – in 13.4 overs.

The T20 series against the West Indies is seen as a big step towards reviving international cricket in Pakistan, which was suspended in 2009 following a militant attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore.

Pakistan hosted five limited over internationals against Zimbabwe in 2015 before last year’s final of the Pakistan Super League, followed by a T20 series against a World XI and a T20 against Sri Lanka.

This year Pakistan staged two PSL play-offs in Lahore before last Sunday’s final of the T20 tournament in Karachi.

People are standing in queues at walk through gates installed at Hassan Square during the first match of T20 series. Photo: OINN

Female administration staff check tickets of women at Hassan Square. Photo: OINN

Cricket fans head towards the National Stadium holding a large Pakistani flag at Hassan Square to watch the first match of T20 series between Pakistan and West Indies. Photo: OINN

Chacha Cricket chants slogans during the first match of T20 series at the National Stadium in Karachi. Photo: OINN

Captains of Pakistan and West Indies teams hold the trophy ahead of the first match of T20 series at the National Stadium. Photo: OINN

Players of Pakistan and West Indies stand in respect during national anthems of both the countries ahead of the first match of T20 series at the National Stadium. Photo: OINN

A young boy holds a placard during the first match of T20 series between Pakistan and West Indies. Photo: OINN

Cheer leaders dance during the first match of T20 series at the National Stadium. Photo: OINN

People turn on the lights of their cell phones during the first match of T20 series between Pakistan and West Indies at the National Stadium. Photo: OINN

Pakistani players celebrate after bowling a West Indies batsman out during the first match of T20 series. Photo: OINN