Pakistan XI beat World XI by 84 runs
Pakistan All Star XI demolished International World XI by 84 runs in
a Twenty20 exhibition match at the National Stadium in Karachi that
marked the return of international cricket in the country after a hiatus
of more than three years.
Riding on quick-fire knocks from Umar Akmal (67), and Shahzaib Hasan
(54) and a belligerent 29 from Imran Nazir, Pakistan XI scored a mammoth
222 for seven on Saturday night.
To make matters worse for the World XI, young pacer Tabish Khan cut
through the middle-order with a hat-trick to leave the visitors in
tatters as they eventually could manage a meagre 138 for 8.
World XI were never in the hunt once they lost their opener and
skipper Sanath Jayasuriya in the first over.
But what was significant about the match was that it was played
competitively and in good spirits in front of a capacity 32,000 crowd.
“The biggest relief for us is that the crowd was so disciplined and
the maximum security arrangements put in place for the match also worked
well,” chief organiser, Dr Mohammad Ali Shah said.
“We still have another match to go and once that also passes off
smoothly we can easily say that it is time the Test playing nations now
think about playing in Pakistan,” he said.
Interestingly, no official of the Pakistan Cricket Board flew down to
Karachi for the match, the first international event of sorts in the
country in more than three years time.
Pakistan has been a no-go area for international athletes since March
2009 when militants attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore.
Former South African pacer Andre Nel said he was happy to be a part of
the process which should eventually bring international cricket back to
Pakistan.
“We were very relaxed out in the field and we had no fears of any
sort. Seeing such a big and enthusiastic crowd only made the occasion
more memorable for us.
“I don't see major security concerns here. The people have been warm
and we are being looked after very well,” said Nel, who played 36 Tests
and 79 ODIs. PTI
Pakistan All Stars XI 222-7 (Umar Akmal 67 not out, Shahzaib Hasan
54; Thandi Tshabalala 3-20, Shapoor Zadran 2-38)
International World XI 138-8 (Shapoor Zadran 42; Tabish Khan 3-25,
Wahab Riaz 2-17) by 84 runs. PTI |
