Pakistan’s cricket fraternity was overwhelmed with emotions when its national team registered a 20-run win against World XI on the historic return of international cricket on the subcontinent on Tuesday.
It was only the second international match hosted by Pakistan since militants attacked the bus of the visiting Sri Lankan team in March 2009. As many as eight people were killed and seven were injured in the terror attack.
Starting the Independence Cup at Lahore on a high note, Pakistan rode on Babar Azam’s career-best knock of 86 runs to beat World XI, led by South Africa’s Faf du Plessis.
Former Pakistan pacer Shoiab Akhtar congratulated the team and heaped praise on Azam, saying: “Babar Azam played a brilliant innings and our bowling attack once again proved it is the best in the world!”
Pakistani fast bowler Junaid Khan also joined the celebration and applauded the top-order batsman for leading the team to victory singlehandedly.
“Congratulations #teampak. A wonderful win. Well played @babarazam258. You all proved once again that our bowling combination is the best,” Junaid tweeted.
Pakistan’s former T20I captain Mohammad Hafeez also didn’t shy to acknowledge Azam and thanked the home crowd for cheering the national side.
“Well done team Pakistan, well played @babarazam258, enjoyed the crowd response and atmosphere created by them, cheering for everyone,” Hafeez said.