KARACHI, Pakistan - Security was tight yesterday as Pakistan hosted the first international cricket match since 2009, when militants attacked a bus carrying the Sri Lankan team and brought tours to a standstill.
A sell-out 32,000 crowd at the well-cordoned National stadium watched Pakistan All Stars, led by Shahid Afridi win by 84 runs against an International World XI, led by former Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya.
The unofficial T20 match, organised by the sports minister of Sindh province Mohammad Ali Shah, is seen as a small step towards reviving international cricket in Pakistan.
Batting first, the home team piled up 7-222 in their 20 overs.
Umar Akmal, playing at home for the first time since his debut in August 2009, top-scored with 67 not out while opener Shahzaib Hasan made 54.